The Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS; /ˈeɪsɪs/) is the national foreign intelligence agency of Australia. It is responsible for overseas intelligence collection, including both counter-intelligence and liaising with the intelligence agencies of other countries. In these roles, ASIS is comparable to the British Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) and the American Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). According to its website, the mission of ASIS is to: "Protect and promote Australia's vital interests through the provision of unique foreign intelligence services as directed by Government.