During the visit, from 14 20 October, Rear Admiral Jones participated in the Heads of Asian Coast

This visit further demonstrates how Australia values the relationships that enable facilitation of legitimate trade and travel, and cooperation on stamping out maritime crime. Australia is committed to working closely with all partners in the region to combat crimes committed at sea, especially the scourge of people smuggling which exploits vulnerable people, having no regard for life or welfare. Australia has recently been working in lockstep with Sri Lanka on civil maritime security, where the Sri Lankan Navy has worked tirelessly to disrupt maritime people smuggling ventures this year Australia has safely returned 183 people from six irregular maritime ventures attempting to reach Australia. While Australias Government has recently changed, Australias commitment to strong counterpeople smuggling policies has not. We will stop any maritime people smuggling vessel seeking to reach Australia, and safely return those on board to their point of departure or country of origin, or if require