India and Saudi Arabia sign landmark agreement on public sector auditing
In a strategic development aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation in public sector auditing, India and Saudi Arabia formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today in Riyadh. The agreement was signed by Girish Chandra Murmu, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, and Dr. Hussam Al-Angari, President of the Saudi General Court of Audit. Dr. Suhel Khan, the Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, also attended the signing ceremony.
The MoU is designed to foster closer collaboration and facilitate the exchange of expertise between the two nations in the domain of public sector auditing. Key components of the agreement include the establishment of joint training programs covering financial, performance, and compliance audits, along with the exchange of audit manuals and methodologies. The ceremony also featured discussions on mutual interests, including collaboration in international forums.
During the event, the Indian delegation was briefed on Saudi Arabia’s transition from cash to accrual accounting, as well as the kingdom’s efforts in professional capacity-building. This partnership is anticipated to strengthen the existing close working relationship between the Comptroller and Auditor General of India and the Saudi General Court of Audit.
The MoU’s timing is particularly significant as Saudi Arabia is set to take over the Chairmanship of the Asian Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (ASOSAI) from India next year, with India currently holding the ASOSAI Chair. This agreement marks another significant milestone in the growing relationship between India and Saudi Arabia, underscoring their shared commitment to enhancing governance and accountability in public sector operations.
