Saudi, Belarus Audit Chiefs Discuss Cooperation in Riyadh

RIYADH — The President of the General Court of Audit (GCA) of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Hussam Alangari, received Chairman of the State Control Committee of the Republic of Belarus, Vasily Gerasimov, on October 14, 2024, in Riyadh, as part of an official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in audit and oversight. During the meeting, Dr. Alangari underscored the significance of the visit in enhancing joint efforts between the two institutions, with a focus on exchanging expertise, improving performance efficiency, and developing human resources within both organizations.

Context and Background

The visit comes amid growing international collaboration in public sector auditing, where nations increasingly share best practices to enhance transparency and accountability. Saudi Arabia, under its Vision 2030, has prioritized the modernization of its oversight bodies, including the General Court of Audit, to ensure effective governance and efficient use of public funds. The GCA has been recognized for its advanced approaches, including digital transformation and the adoption of artificial intelligence, which are central to its operational strategy.

Belarus, similarly, has been modernizing its control and audit systems, making the exchange of expertise mutually beneficial. The meeting between the two officials reflects a broader trend of international cooperation in public sector management, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global partnerships and knowledge sharing.

Key Details

During the reception, Chairman Gerasimov reiterated his commitment to enhancing the partnership between the State Control Committee of Belarus and the GCA. Following the formal reception, officials from both organizations held a meeting to discuss topics of mutual interest and explore ways to further develop and activate cooperation. The discussions included detailed presentations on the GCA’s experiences in digital transformation, particularly its use of modern technologies and artificial intelligence through the “Shamel 2.0” electronic auditing system. This system has been instrumental in streamlining audit processes, improving accuracy, and enabling comprehensive oversight.

Implications and Impact

The visit is expected to pave the way for deeper collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Belarus in the field of public auditing. By sharing its advanced digital systems—such as Shamel 2.0—the GCA positions Saudi Arabia as a leader in technological innovation in public sector oversight. The cooperation also strengthens diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries, fostering a relationship that could extend to other areas of mutual interest. For Belarus, the exchange offers an opportunity to adopt successful practices from Saudi Arabia, enhancing its own oversight mechanisms.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This collaboration aligns seamlessly with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which underscores the importance of government effectiveness, transparency, and digital innovation. By engaging with international partners like Belarus, the Kingdom demonstrates its commitment to global best practices and the continuous improvement of its public sector. The visit not only reinforces the GCA’s role as a forward-thinking institution but also highlights the Kingdom’s broader ambition to lead in governance and accountability, contributing to the realization of Vision 2030’s objectives for a thriving and transparent society.

20 Questions

Q1. Who received the Belarusian delegation in Riyadh?

A1. Dr. Hussam Alangari, President of the General Court of Audit (GCA) of Saudi Arabia, received the delegation led by Chairman Vasily Gerasimov.

Q2. What is the name of the Belarusian official who visited the GCA?

A2. Vasily Gerasimov, Chairman of the State Control Committee of the Republic of Belarus, visited the GCA.

Q3. On what date did the meeting take place?

A3. The meeting took place on October 14, 2024.

Q4. Where did the meeting occur?

A4. The meeting occurred at the GCA headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Q5. What was the main purpose of the visit?

A5. The purpose was to strengthen cooperation and joint efforts between the GCA and Belarusian State Control Committee.

Q6. What specific areas of cooperation were emphasized?

A6. The cooperation focuses on exchanging expertise, improving performance efficiency, and developing human resources.

Q7. What system did the GCA showcase during the visit?

A7. The GCA showcased its “Shamel 2.0” electronic auditing system, which utilizes modern technologies and AI.

Q8. How does Shamel 2.0 contribute to auditing?

A8. Shamel 2.0 enhances auditing accuracy, streamlines processes, and enables comprehensive oversight through digital tools.

Q9. What did Chairman Gerasimov commit to during the meeting?

A9. Gerasimov reiterated his commitment to enhancing the partnership between the two entities.

Q10. Did the visit include only formal talks?

A10. No, officials from both sides held a meeting to discuss mutual interests and explore cooperation activation.

Q11. What is the GCA’s role in Saudi Arabia?

A11. The GCA is Saudi Arabia’s supreme audit institution, ensuring accountability and transparency over public funds.

Q12. How does this visit align with Vision 2030?

A12. It aligns with Vision 2030’s goals of government effectiveness, transparency, and digital innovation.

Q13. What digital transformation experience was shared?

A13. The GCA shared its experience in using AI and modern technologies through Shamel 2.0.

Q14. What is the State Control Committee of Belarus?

A14. It is Belarus’s supreme audit institution, similar to the GCA, overseeing government spending and controls.

Q15. Is this the first cooperation between the two bodies?

A15. The article suggests a developing partnership; specific prior cooperation is not mentioned.

Q16. What are the expected outcomes of this cooperation?

A16. Expected outcomes include better audit practices, knowledge transfer, and stronger bilateral relations.

Q17. How might Belarus benefit from this partnership?

A17. Belarus could adopt advanced digital tools and methods from Saudi Arabia to improve its own audit processes.

Q18. What significance does the meeting have for international audit?

A18. It highlights global collaboration in auditing, promoting best practices and transparency worldwide.

Q19. How does GCA’s innovation support Saudi leadership?

A19. By leading in technological auditing, the GCA showcases Saudi Arabia as a forward-thinking nation.

Q20. What was the source of this information?

A20. The information comes from the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), an official Saudi source.

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