FBI nod to Cambodia security role

By Guy De Launey
BBC News, Phnom Penh

Mr Mueller said Cambodia was a key part of a global security network

The top US law enforcement official has described Cambodia as an important country in anti-terrorism efforts.

The director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Robert Mueller, was opening an FBI office at the US embassy in Phnom Penh.

He will also be visiting neighbouring Vietnam on his trip.

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.

With Vietnam also on his itinerary, it would seem that new relationships are finally emerging from past hostilities.

It's important for us ... to coordinate on the trans-national investigations that one often finds in this age of globalisation Robert Mueller

The opening of an FBI office in Cambodia is the latest indication of increasing US engagement in the region.

After cutting the ribbon at the inauguration, Mr Mueller said he saw Cambodia as a key part of a global security network.

"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.

"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."

Mr Mueller was less forthcoming about why relations with Cambodia had improved so quickly.

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.