BEIJING — FBI Director Robert S. Mueller III, wrapping up a visit to Beijing this week, said he hoped to improve ties with Chinese police and security organizations because the war on terrorism and international crime required close cooperation with foreign counterparts.
Mr. Mueller said at a press conference Tuesday that government departments worldwide must join efforts in combating terrorism in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks and other terrorist strikes by sharing intelligence and information.
“In this world today, anybody in law enforcement or intelligence agencies understands that to be successful in addressing the threats that countries face, we must work together cooperatively,” he said.
“We’ve got to work together to address trafficking of persons, narcotics trafficking and cybercrime, just to mention a few of the threats that cross our borders,” he added.
Mr. Mueller said U.S. law enforcement and intelligence officials had “built a strong foundation of cooperation” with the public security and state security ministries in Beijing. The two ministries perform functions roughly similar to those of the FBI and CIA.
The director said he also had meetings with officials from China’s Ministry of Justice and the state prosecutor’s office.
“I believe I’m the first director of the FBI to come and spend some time in Beijing, but I can assure you this will not be my last visit,” he said.
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