Obama seeks two-year extension for FBI Director

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US President Barack Obama has sought a two-year extension for Robert Mueller, who is heading the Federal Bureau of Investigation since 2001.

"I am seeking a two-year extension for FBI Director Bob Mueller. And in his 10 years at the FBI, Bob has set the gold standard for leading the Bureau. He's improved the working relationship with local law enforcement across the country," Obama said in a statement.

"This is a testament to Mueller's remarkable service and commitment to this country that after a 10-year term, during one of the most difficult periods in this nation's history and during the total reorientation of the FBI towards counter-terrorism and the threats that emerged in the wake of 9/11, that he has been willing to serve for an additional two years," White House Press Secretary Jay Carney told reporters.

Given the ongoing threats facing the United States, as well as the leadership transitions at other agencies like the defence department and central intelligence agency, obama said, "I believe continuity and stability at the FBI is critical at this time."

He said Mueller transformed the FBI after September 11, 2001 into a pre-eminent counter-terrorism agency.

Mueller was originally nominated by former President George W Bush as FBI director on July 5, 2001 and was unanimously confirmed by the US Senate on August 2 the same year.