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FBI chief in first Cambodia visit FBI nod to Cambodia security role
(about 13 hours later)
One of the top US law enforcement officials has arrived in Cambodia as part of a tour of South East Asia. The top US law enforcement official has described Cambodia as an important country in anti-terrorism efforts.
Robert Mueller is the first director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) ever to visit the country. The director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Robert Mueller, was opening an FBI office at the US embassy in Phnom Penh.
He is the latest in a series of high-profile American officials who have been increasing their contacts with Cambodia. He will also be visiting neighbouring Vietnam on his trip.
As recently as three years ago, Mr Mueller's visit would have been little short of unthinkable. Mr Mueller is the first director of the FBI ever to visit Cambodia, but he is the latest in a succession of senior US officials to spend time in Phnom Penh.
The US had a frosty relationship with the Cambodian government - and even refused its top police officer a visa. With Vietnam also on his itinerary, it would seem that new relationships are finally emerging from past hostilities.
But now the FBI's director is holding meetings with Prime Minister Hun Sen - and the US embassy is hailing the "expanding co-operation" between the two countries' law enforcement agencies. It's important for us ... to coordinate on the trans-national investigations that one often finds in this age of globalisation Robert Mueller
The threat of terrorism is one reason for the change of heart. The opening of an FBI office in Cambodia is the latest indication of increasing US engagement in the region.
One of the leaders of a group connected to attacks in Indonesia was known to have spent time in Cambodia. After cutting the ribbon at the inauguration, Mr Mueller said he saw Cambodia as a key part of a global security network.
And the courts here have shown their willingness to try suspected terrorists. "It's an important country to us because of the potential for persons transiting Cambodia or utilising Cambodia as a spot for terrorism," he said.
But Mr Mueller's visit seems to be part of a larger attempt to build stronger relations with South East Asian nations which it formerly viewed as hostile. "It's important for us to be available to provide assistance but also to coordinate on the trans-national investigations that one often finds in this age of globalisation."
The US has noted China's growing influence in the region. Mr Mueller was less forthcoming about why relations with Cambodia had improved so quickly.
Diplomats hope that a stronger American presence in countries like Cambodia will encourage democratic reforms and development. Just two years ago the country's top police officer was refused a visa to enter the US.
Now all the talk is of expanding co-operation.
Diplomats are keen to use the increasing American presence to promote democracy in the region, but the FBI visit coincided with the arrival of China's foreign minister, an indication that other powers also have growing interests here.