President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame have arrived in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, for an official visit expected to deepen bilateral relations ahead of the 20th Summit of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF).
During the visit, Kagame is scheduled to meet King Norodom Sihamoni at the Royal Palace for talks on relations between the two countries.
He is also expected to hold meetings with senior Cambodian leaders, including Senate President Hun Sen, National Assembly President Khuon Sudary and Prime Minister Hun Manet.
The discussions will focus on strengthening diplomatic ties and expanding cooperation across various sectors. The two countries are also expected to sign agreements and other cooperation documents covering trade, investment, air transport and tourism, in a move aimed at boosting economic ties.
Kagame’s visit comes as Cambodia prepares to host the 20th Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh from November 14 to 16, bringing together heads of state and government from OIF member countries.
The summit will focus on international cooperation, sustainable development and the contribution of French-speaking countries to promoting peace and security. It will be the first time Cambodia has hosted the gathering since the establishment of the OIF.
Several events are scheduled ahead of the main summit, including the 48th Session of the Francophonie Ministerial Conference on November 14 and FrancoTech, which will showcase innovation and technological development across French-speaking countries.
One of the key items on the summit’s agenda will be the election of the OIF Secretary-General on November 16.
Rwanda’s Louise Mushikiwabo, who has held the position since January 2019, is seeking another four-year term. She faces three challengers: Juliana Amato Lumumba of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Coumba Ba of Mauritania and former Romanian Prime Minister Dacian Cioloș.
Heads of state and government representing the OIF’s 53 full member countries will take part in selecting the organisation’s leader for the next four years.
