Australia enhances commitment to regional civil maritime security
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During the visit,
from 14 – 20 October, Rear Admiral Jones participated in the Heads of Asian
Coast Guard Agencies Meeting (HACGAM) in Delhi, working with regional partners
on civil maritime security.
Meetings with
Australia’s strategic partners highlighted the strength of such relationships
and the capacity for ongoing dialogue and information sharing.
“At HACGAM,
Australia engaged with all major coast guard agencies in the Asian region to
reinforce longstanding relationships and cooperation on civil maritime security
matters,” Rear Admiral Jones said.
“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 Australia’s
Government has recently changed, Australia’s commitment to strong
counter-people 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
required, transfer them to a regional processing country,” Rear Admiral Jones
said.
“We are aware that
a number of people were recently detained in Kerala for attempting to migrate
illegally by boat. I commend the relevant authorities for their swift action, a
vital step towards dismantling the criminal people smuggling trade.”
“I am committed to deepening
cooperation with our counterparts on these types of maritime security challenges
facing the region.”
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