Photo- Robert Mueller, head of fbi.PHNOM PENH (AFP) - The head of the FBI on Thursday hailed Cambodia's role in the US "war on terror", as the agency opened its first office in Phnom Penh amid rising concern over regional extremism.
Robert Mueller said the relationship between the countries in addressing the threat from extremists was "exemplary".
As he came to the end of a two-day visit, during which he held talks with his Cambodian counterparts, Mueller added: "The exchange of information between our services has been second to none."
His trip, part of a three-country Asian tour, came amid Washington's increasing efforts to further ties with the formerly communist nation, particularly in security.
Law enforcement officials have in the past expressed concern that Cambodia's porous borders and weak policing could make it a haven for extremists.
"Cambodia is an important country to us for the potential of persons transiting Cambodia, using Cambodia as a spot for utilising terrorism," the FBI director said.
Hambali -- real name Riduan Isamuddin -- who was allegedly a key member of the Al-Qaeda-linked Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) network, reportedly spent several months in Cambodia before being captured in Thailand in 2003.
Mueller's visit follows a series of law enforcement exchanges, including Cambodian National Police Chief Hok Lundy's trip to Washington last April for anti-terror talks with the FBI.
The invitation was made to Hok Lundy -- who was previously refused a visa to the US over alleged involvement in human trafficking -- despite criticism from rights groups over reported abuses by his forces.
Mueller said Thursday that the issues of weak policing and corruption were part of his talks with Cambodian officials, but that graft was a problem worldwide.
Robert Mueller said the relationship between the countries in addressing the threat from extremists was "exemplary".
As he came to the end of a two-day visit, during which he held talks with his Cambodian counterparts, Mueller added: "The exchange of information between our services has been second to none."
His trip, part of a three-country Asian tour, came amid Washington's increasing efforts to further ties with the formerly communist nation, particularly in security.
Law enforcement officials have in the past expressed concern that Cambodia's porous borders and weak policing could make it a haven for extremists.
"Cambodia is an important country to us for the potential of persons transiting Cambodia, using Cambodia as a spot for utilising terrorism," the FBI director said.
Hambali -- real name Riduan Isamuddin -- who was allegedly a key member of the Al-Qaeda-linked Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) network, reportedly spent several months in Cambodia before being captured in Thailand in 2003.
Mueller's visit follows a series of law enforcement exchanges, including Cambodian National Police Chief Hok Lundy's trip to Washington last April for anti-terror talks with the FBI.
The invitation was made to Hok Lundy -- who was previously refused a visa to the US over alleged involvement in human trafficking -- despite criticism from rights groups over reported abuses by his forces.
Mueller said Thursday that the issues of weak policing and corruption were part of his talks with Cambodian officials, but that graft was a problem worldwide.
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