Title: Prime Minister Rui Maria de Araújo of Timor-Leste Pledges Zero Tolerance Against Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing

Prime Minister’s Strong Message at National Seminar

At the Noble Hall of the Ministry of Social Solidarity in Dili, Prime Minister Rui Maria de Araújo of Timor-Leste delivered a powerful message against money laundering and terrorism financing during the National Seminar on Prevention and Fighting these Criminal Activities.

Cooperation and Knowledge-Sharing in the International Community

Speaking to an assembly of dignitaries, government officials, and experts, the Prime Minister:

1. Praised the efforts of the Office of the Prosecutor-General, the Central Bank, and the Financial Intelligence Unit for promoting the seminar.
2. Emphasized the importance of such events in fostering cooperation and knowledge-sharing within the international community.

Challenges and Opportunities for Timor-Leste

Recognizing Timor-Leste’s unique challenges as a young and developing country, Prime Minister Araújo:

1. Saw it as an opportunity to create a robust legal framework based on international best practices to combat money laundering, terrorism financing, and associated crimes.
2. Acknowledged the nation’s progress towards creating effective legal instruments since 2014.

Collective Efforts from Various Sectors

Reiterating his government’s zero-tolerance policy against these crimes, Prime Minister Araújo:

1. Emphasized the importance of collective efforts from various sectors, including legislation, security, defense, foreign policy, and finance.
2. Stressed the role of building the capacity of investigation and controlling agencies to investigate crimes and cooperate with international partners.

Strengthening International Cooperation Networks

In addressing foreign policy considerations related to these crimes, Prime Minister Araújo aims to strengthen international cooperation networks to ensure a coordinated response.

Harmonizing Agencies and Organizations

To ensure the success of efforts against money laundering and terrorism financing, the Prime Minister reiterated the importance of harmonizing key agencies and organizations.

Rooting Out Corruption

Addressing the crowd, Prime Minister Araújo:

1. Stressed that corruption often goes hand in hand with money laundering.
2. Vowed to prioritize the fight against corruption and root out the parties involved.

Commitment to Efficient Systems

“A country that aspires to fair, integrated, and sustainable development cannot accept corruption and money laundering,” said Prime Minister Araújo. “We want to attract investors, not money launderers.”

Conclusion

Prime Minister Rui Maria de Araújo’s commitment to efficient systems against money laundering and terrorism financing is crucial for Timor-Leste, as it is a free and democratic society that prides itself on the values that strengthen its patriotic feeling. The government remains committed to ensuring a coordinated and responsible approach towards addressing these threats.

Dili, 29th April 2015

Dr Rui Maria de Araújo - Prime Minister of Timor-Leste