Rwanda and Cambodia sign three cooperation agreements

By The Inspirer.

The governments of Rwanda and Cambodia have signed three cooperation agreements aimed at strengthening collaboration in investment, air transport and tourism, opening up new opportunities for trade and economic development between the two countries.

The agreements were signed in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital, on Friday, November 13, 2026, during a ceremony presided over by Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet.

The signing followed talks between the two leaders, which focused on strengthening existing bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

The agreements cover investment, air transport and tourism. These sectors are expected to create more business opportunities, facilitate travel and encourage greater movement of investors and tourists between the two countries.

History of Rwanda-Cambodia relations

Rwanda and Cambodia established diplomatic relations in 2005. Despite being geographically distant, with Rwanda located in East Africa and Cambodia in Southeast Asia, the two countries have continued exploring opportunities to strengthen diplomatic, economic and development cooperation.

Over the years, they have expanded their engagement through bilateral discussions and exchanges of experience.

In 2024, Rwanda’s Ambassador to South Korea, Nkubito Manzi Bakuramutsa, who is also accredited to Cambodia, visited the country and held talks with Cambodian officials aimed at strengthening bilateral relations.

A significant step towards expanding cooperation followed in November 2025, when Cambodia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prak Sokhonn, visited Rwanda.

During the visit, the two countries signed two agreements, including one establishing a mechanism for regular consultations between their respective foreign ministries and another waiving visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and official passports.

The agreements were intended to facilitate official travel and establish a regular platform for discussing bilateral issues and improving cooperation.

In March 2026, Rwanda’s Ambassador to Cambodia, Nkubito Manzi Bakuramutsa, held discussions with the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce on ways to increase trade and investment between the two countries.

President Kagame’s visit and the newly signed agreements mark another step towards transforming bilateral relations from diplomatic engagement into practical economic cooperation.

Kagame also held talks with Cambodia’s Senate President, Hun Sen, focusing on bilateral relations and opportunities to expand cooperation across various sectors.

Cambodia offers significant tourism opportunities, drawing on its history, cultural heritage, natural attractions and diverse wildlife. Cooperation in this sector could create opportunities for both countries to exchange expertise and strengthen their tourism industries.

Rwanda’s Ambassador to South Korea, Nkubito Manzi Bakuramutsa, who is based in Seoul, also represents Rwanda’s interests in Cambodia.

The agreements are expected to create further opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.