Talatona - The European Union (EU) ambassador to Angola, Rosário Pais, Monday in Luanda, highlighted the Angolan government's efforts to effectively combat organised crime and money laundering.
Speaking to the press on the sidelines of the Workshop on Money Laundering and Related Crimes, aimed at judicial magistrates, He said that the government had shown a firm will to protect itself against these crimes.
On the occasion, the diplomat highlighted the achievements made by the Angolan government in a wide range of areas, with progress in legislation, good international practices, specialised services and training for professionals in money laundering and related crimes.
"Training judges to fight corruption and money laundering is important for investment and economic diversity because it will help to attract investors, because they won't come to Angola if they know there isn't a favourable business environment, which is why this workshop is important for economic and social development and job creation," she stressed.
He emphasised that the workshop was being held as part of the Pro-React project, funded by the EU with an estimated investment of two million euros and a four-year implementation period.
He also recalled that the EU has a funding programme for the 2021/2027 period in three priority areas, namely economic diversification, governance and human development.
In turn, the resident coordinator of the UN System in Angola, Zahira Virani, considered the event to be fruitful, saying that it would help to strengthen the judicial system and combat financial crime.
"We know that money laundering is a global, dynamic and complex threat, so it is essential to equip judges with technical knowledge so that they can make fair and impartial decisions, in accordance with the law and good practice, which is why we are committed to supporting Angola in its efforts to strengthen its system for combating this crime," she added.
The six-day workshop is organised in partnership with the Supreme Court and the Academy of Social and Technological Sciences (ACITE) and will be attended by 80 judges. GIZ/MCN/DAN/DOJ
