A meeting of the Heads of the Supreme Audit Institutions of Kazakhstan and Russia was held in Astana
An official meeting between the Heads of the Supreme Audit Chamber of the Republic of Kazakhstan Mr. Alikhan Smailov and the Accounts Chamber of the Russian Federation Mr. Boris Kovalchuk was held in Astana. The event took place as part of a working visit by Russian specialists to our country.
At the meeting, the results of the roundtable were reviewed, and current areas for strengthening professional cooperation between the supreme audit institutions of Kazakhstan and Russia were discussed. These include the digitalization of audit activities, the exchange of useful practices, the holding of joint training events, etc.
In his speech, Alikhan Smailov emphasized that the partnership between the two agencies is based on friendship, long-term close cooperation, mutual respect, and trust.
Today, it is actively developing both on a bilateral basis and within the framework of leading international organizations: INTOSAI, ASOSAI, the SCO, the CIS, and the EAEU. This allows coordinating the approaches and the strengthening the positions of national audit bodies in the international arena.
Alikhan Smailov noted the significant contribution of the Accounts Chamber of the Russian Federation to the activities of the Working Group on the Development of Standards of State Financial Control in the CIS countries, which is chaired by the Supreme Audit Chamber of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Currently, three documents have been approved within the framework of this Working Group.
Active work is also being carried out within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union. For more than 10 years, both parties have been successfully conducting joint external audits of the EAEU bodies, as well as inspections of the procedure for the accrual and distribution of import customs duties, which demonstrates a high level of mutual trust and professionalism.
"We are very interested in studying the approaches and tools used in the Russian Federation for public audit, and we are happy to share our own experiences, successes, and challenges," Alikhan Smailov said.
The Chairman of the SAC told his Russian colleagues about the reform of the state audit system in Kazakhstan.
✔️ As part of this process, the status and powers of the Supreme Audit Chamber were increased.
✔️Since 2023, the Chamber got the right to audit local budgets and review the results of audits conducted by other state audit bodies.
✔️ Two thematic reports are prepared and submitted to the Majilis upon request in order to enhance cooperation with the Parliament.
✔️ The SAC is also authorized to conduct a unified exam for candidates for state auditors, which helps to improve the professional level of personnel.
Another important area of development is the digitalization of audit activities, including the introduction of advanced information technologies, as well as artificial intelligence tools and big data processing.
In addition, tasks are consistently implemented to strengthen the SAC and enhance the quality control of not only audits, but also the entire activities of the state agency.
"Expanding the competencies of the Supreme Audit Chamber requires the constant implementation of innovative methods, the best foreign practices and international standards, in-depth analysis of all institutional and organizational aspects, as well as systematic professional development of state auditors," Alikhan Smailov emphasized.
Addressing his Russian colleagues, the Chairman of the SAC expressed confidence that the exchange of experience on topical issues of state audit would be of practical benefit to both parties.
In turn, the Chairman of the Accounts Chamber of the Russian Federation, Boris Kovalchuk, spoke about the activities of the agency, in particular about the ongoing digital transformation. Currently, seven new digital projects are being implemented, including the creation of a unified digital platform.
Within two years, it is planned to completely update the digital infrastructure of the Accounts Chamber.
“Our countries are close in spirit and in thinking, and we have a lot in common. We are very glad that this meeting took place,” Boris Kovalchuk concluded.