Head of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Robert Mueller (R) and U.S. ambassador to Cambodia Joseph A. Mussomeli smile after they cut a ribbon during the inauguration of an FBI office in Phnom Penh January 31, 2008. The FBI opened its first office in Cambodia on Thursday, amid increasing concerns over regional terrorism, a U.S. embassy official said.REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea (CAMBODIA)
Head of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Robert Mueller (R) and U.S. ambassador to Cambodia Joseph A. Mussomeli cut a ribbon during the inauguration of an FBI office in Phnom Penh January 31, 2008. The FBI opened its first office in Cambodia on Thursday, amid increasing concerns over regional terrorism, a U.S. embassy official said.REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea (CAMBODIA) 
U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Robert Mueller, right, and U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia Joseph Mussomeli prepare to cut a ribbon to inaugurate the FBI legal attache office at the U.S. Embassy in Cambodia, Thursday, Jan. 31, 2008. Mueller visited Cambodia and held talks with Cambodian officials to enhance cooperation in the fight against global crimes, including terrorism and human trafficking.(AP Photo/Heng Sinith)
U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Robert Mueller addresses a press conference at the U.S. Embassy in Cambodia, Thursday, Jan. 31, 2008. Mueller visited Cambodia and held talks with the country's officials to enhance cooperation in the fight against global crimes, including terrorism and human trafficking.(AP Photo/Heng Sinith)By Guy De Launey
BBC News, Phnom Penh
Thursday, 31 January 2008
One of the top US law enforcement officials has arrived in Cambodia as part of a tour of South East Asia.
Robert Mueller is the first director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) ever to visit the country.
He is the latest in a series of high-profile American officials who have been increasing their contacts with Cambodia.
As recently as three years ago, Mr Mueller's visit would have been little short of unthinkable.
The US had a frosty relationship with the Cambodian government - and even refused its top police officer a visa.
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.
The threat of terrorism is one reason for the change of heart.
One of the leaders of a group connected to attacks in Indonesia was known to have spent time in Cambodia.
And the courts here have shown their willingness to try suspected terrorists.
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.
The US has noted China's growing influence in the region.
Diplomats hope that a stronger American presence in countries like Cambodia will encourage democratic reforms and development.
BBC News, Phnom Penh
Thursday, 31 January 2008
One of the top US law enforcement officials has arrived in Cambodia as part of a tour of South East Asia.
Robert Mueller is the first director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) ever to visit the country.
He is the latest in a series of high-profile American officials who have been increasing their contacts with Cambodia.
As recently as three years ago, Mr Mueller's visit would have been little short of unthinkable.
The US had a frosty relationship with the Cambodian government - and even refused its top police officer a visa.
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.
The threat of terrorism is one reason for the change of heart.
One of the leaders of a group connected to attacks in Indonesia was known to have spent time in Cambodia.
And the courts here have shown their willingness to try suspected terrorists.
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.
The US has noted China's growing influence in the region.
Diplomats hope that a stronger American presence in countries like Cambodia will encourage democratic reforms and development.
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