Timor-Leste to host CPLP Justice Ministers’ Meeting on organized crime
DILI, 19 October 2026 (TATOLI) – Justice ministers from the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP) will meet in Dili on 26–27 October to strengthen judicial cooperation against transnational organized crime, including digital scams and illegal gambling.
The 19th Conference of CPLP Justice Ministers aims to improve coordination among member states and develop joint responses to criminal activities that cross national borders.
Timor-Leste’s Justice Minister, Sérgio Hornai, met Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão on Monday to brief him on preparations, progress and ongoing coordination for the conference, which will take place during Timor-Leste’s tenure as the CPLP’s rotating president.
“The theme we have chosen focuses on organised crime, digital scams and illegal gambling, which are challenges not only for Timor-Leste but also for other member states, the wider region and the world,” Hornai said.
He said the meeting would provide an opportunity for Portuguese-speaking countries to share experiences, identify common challenges and develop coordinated measures to tackle transnational criminal activity.
“We want to consolidate our coordination with member states so that we can find solutions to the challenges each country faces in the field of organised crime,” he said.
International criminal cooperation will be a central focus of the conference, as governments seek to strengthen their efforts to prevent and combat criminal networks operating across different jurisdictions.
Hornai said the meeting would also allow member states to discuss challenges facing their respective justice systems and identify measures to help build safer and more peaceful societies.
“It is important for member states to meet and strengthen their coordination, with a common culture, policy and vision, while maintaining the Portuguese language as an instrument of communication and cooperation,” he said.
One of the main expected outcomes of the conference is the adoption of the Dili Declaration, which is intended to set out guidelines for strengthening cooperation among CPLP countries against transnational organised crime.
Hornai said the declaration would provide a basis for expanding joint efforts and developing responses to cross-border criminal activity, particularly in the field of criminal justice.
The conference will also allow member states to discuss priorities and initiatives for Timor-Leste’s rotating presidency. These efforts are expected to include in-person and virtual coordination mechanisms to align proposals and identify areas requiring joint action.
Timor-Leste previously hosted a CPLP justice ministers’ conference in 2015. Hornai said the upcoming meeting would build on existing initiatives to strengthen legal and judicial cooperation among member states.
Journalist: Afonso do Rosário
Editor: Isaura Lemos de Deus
Translation: Filomeno Martins
