FBI chief James Comey secretly meets with AFP, ASIO to discuss fighting Islamic State

THE head of the FBI secretly met with AFP and ASIO officials in Canberra for high-level talks on how to combat Islamic State and other terror threats.

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THE head of the FBI has ­secretly met with Australian Federal Police and ASIO officials in Canberra for high-level talks on how to combat Islamic State and other terror threats.

The Daily Telegraph has learned that FBI director James Comey has spent the past week in Australia meeting intelligence and policing officials for top-secret talks.

It is understood Australian Federal Police Commissioner Andrew Colvin hosted a two-day meeting with Mr Comey that covered counter-terrorism, cyber crime and transnational crime syndicates.

Islamic State hold up their weapons and wave flags in Raqqa, Syria / Picture: AP

The AFP confirmed yesterday that Mr Comey had been involved in a series of high-level briefings with intelligence and security agencies.

It is understood he also met privately with Attorney-General George Brandis and Justice Minister Michael Keenan.

“The Australian Federal Police can confirm it hosted a two-day visit from FBI director James Comey last week,” a spokesman said.

“During the visit, Mr Comey also met all state and territory police commissioners.

“Mr Comey spent time in Canberra … where he met with key agencies involved in the national security of Australia including the AFP, the Attorney-General’s office, ASIO, DFAT and the Australian Crime Commission.

“The visit provided an opportunity for constructive talks.”

Mr Comey has been a leader in combating the threat posed by Islamic State.

“IS has become the leader in global jihad by this ­crowdsourcing of terrorism through social media platforms,” he said in New York in December.

FBI) director James Comey / Picture: AFP