Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – President of Qatar’s State Audit Bureau, H.E. Abdulaziz bin Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Emadi, engaged in bilateral discussions with key international counterparts during the 15th General Assembly of the Arab Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (ARABOSAI). Meetings were held with the Auditor General of Malaysia, Suraya Wan Mohd Radzi, and the President of Somalia’s Supreme Audit Institution, Ahmed Issa Gutale, focusing on strengthening international audit cooperation. These discussions underscore Qatar’s commitment to upholding financial transparency and accountability on a global scale.
The meetings took place in Jeddah this week as part of the ARABOSAI assembly, a significant gathering for supreme audit institutions across the Arab world. The assembly provides a platform for sharing best practices, addressing emerging challenges in public finance management, and fostering collaborative relationships. These recent talks signal a continued effort to build stronger ties with audit organizations in both Southeast Asia and Africa.
Enhancing International Audit Cooperation
The primary focus of the discussions was to explore avenues for increased collaboration between the State Audit Bureau of Qatar and its counterparts in Malaysia and Somalia. This included potential knowledge sharing initiatives, technical assistance programs, and joint training exercises. According to sources familiar with the meetings, the aim is to enhance the effectiveness of public financial oversight in all three nations.
Qatar’s Role in Regional Financial Governance
Qatar has been actively involved in promoting sound financial governance within the region and internationally. The State Audit Bureau plays a crucial role in ensuring the efficient and transparent use of public funds, and its participation in organizations like ARABOSAI demonstrates this dedication. This commitment aligns with Qatar’s National Vision 2030, which prioritizes good governance and sustainable development.
The meeting with Suraya Wan Mohd Radzi, Auditor General of Malaysia, likely centered on Malaysia’s advancements in performance auditing and its experience with digital transformation in the audit process. Malaysia has been a leader in adopting technology to improve audit efficiency and effectiveness, a topic of growing interest for many audit institutions.
Meanwhile, the discussion with Ahmed Issa Gutale, President of Somalia’s Supreme Audit Institution, likely addressed the unique challenges faced by Somalia in establishing robust financial control systems. Somalia is undergoing a period of reconstruction and state-building, and strengthening its audit capacity is essential for attracting investment and ensuring aid effectiveness. Capacity building and technical support are key areas of potential collaboration.
Additionally, the meetings provided an opportunity to discuss common challenges related to auditing state-owned enterprises and the management of natural resource revenues. These are areas of increasing importance for many countries, including Qatar, Malaysia, and Somalia, as they seek to diversify their economies and ensure sustainable public finances. The exchange of experiences and best practices in these areas is considered highly valuable.
In contrast to formal agreements, these meetings represent a crucial first step in establishing more concrete partnerships. The discussions are expected to lead to the development of specific projects and initiatives in the coming months. The focus on financial oversight is particularly relevant given the increasing scrutiny of public spending worldwide.
The ARABOSAI assembly itself is a key event for promoting public sector accountability across the Arab region. The organization works to strengthen the independence and effectiveness of supreme audit institutions, and to encourage the adoption of international auditing standards. This year’s assembly focused on the role of technology in auditing and the importance of combating corruption.
Looking ahead, the State Audit Bureau of Qatar will likely follow up on these discussions with detailed proposals for collaboration. The timeline for implementing any specific initiatives remains uncertain, as it will depend on budgetary allocations and logistical considerations in all three countries. Observers will be watching for announcements regarding joint training programs or technical assistance projects in the near future.
The success of these collaborative efforts will be measured by improvements in audit quality, increased transparency in public finances, and a stronger deterrent effect against corruption. Continued engagement with international partners is expected to remain a priority for Qatar’s State Audit Bureau as it strives to uphold the highest standards of audit practices and contribute to global financial stability.
