Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – President of the State Audit Bureau of Qatar, HE Abdulaziz bin Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Emadi, engaged in bilateral discussions with key counterparts from Malaysia and Somalia on the sidelines of the 15th General Assembly of the Arab Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (ARABOSAI). The meetings focused on strengthening audit cooperation and exploring opportunities for enhanced collaboration in various areas of financial oversight. These discussions underscore Qatar’s commitment to regional and international partnerships in promoting transparency and accountability.
The meetings took place this week in Jeddah, as officials convened for the ARABOSAI General Assembly and related events, including the 69th Executive Council meeting. HE Al Emadi led the Qatari delegation throughout the proceedings, which are scheduled to conclude on Thursday. This gathering signifies continued efforts to harmonize auditing standards and practices across the Arab region.
Enhancing Audit Cooperation in the Arab World
The primary goal of these bilateral meetings, according to reports from the events, was to identify specific avenues for increased audit cooperation. HE Al Emadi met separately with Auditor General of the National Audit Department of Malaysia, HE Suraya Wan Mohd Radzi, and President of the Supreme Audit Institution of the Federal Republic of Somalia, HE Ahmed Issa Gutale. Discussions encompassed potential joint training programs, the sharing of best practices in financial auditing, and collaborative research initiatives.
Focus Areas for Collaboration
Reportedly, the talks with the Malaysian delegation touched upon advancements in digital auditing techniques. Malaysia’s National Audit Department has been recognized for its innovative use of technology to improve audit efficiency and effectiveness. This is particularly relevant as Qatar continues to invest in digital transformation across various sectors, including government and finance.
With Somalia, discussions centered on capacity building within the Supreme Audit Institution. Somalia is actively working to strengthen its public financial management systems following years of instability, and Qatar has expressed interest in providing technical assistance and support. This assistance aligns with Qatar’s broader foreign policy initiatives focused on regional stability and development.
Additionally, all discussions included a general exchange of views on the challenges facing supreme audit institutions globally, such as combating corruption and ensuring the effective use of public funds. ARABOSAI plays a crucial role in facilitating this exchange and developing common responses to shared challenges.
The State Audit Bureau of Qatar, as part of Qatar’s government, regularly participates in international forums to share its experiences and learn from others. This participation underlines Qatar’s adherence to international standards of transparency and good governance. The Bureau is responsible for auditing government entities and ensuring compliance with financial regulations.
Meanwhile, ARABOSAI itself serves as a platform for Arab supreme audit institutions to collaborate and enhance their capabilities. The organization promotes the adoption of international auditing standards and best practices, contributing to improved public financial management across the Arab world. The 15th General Assembly builds on previous efforts to strengthen these regional ties and address current challenges in audit and assurance.
Looking ahead, the outcomes of these bilateral meetings will likely be formalized through specific agreements or memoranda of understanding. The implementation of any joint initiatives will depend on resource availability and the establishment of clear work plans. Observers will be watching for concrete steps taken by Qatar, Malaysia, and Somalia to translate these discussions into tangible improvements in their respective audit capabilities and contribute to enhanced audit cooperation within ARABOSAI and beyond. The next ARABOSAI General Assembly is expected to provide an update on progress made in these areas.
The Qatari delegation is expected to return to Doha following the conclusion of the ARABOSAI meeting, where further internal discussions will determine the next phases of collaboration.
