His Excellency Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Auditor General of the National Audit Office (NAO) held a virtual meeting with Her Excellency Mrs. Fawzia bint Abdullah Zainal, Speaker of the Parliament, in which she received the seventeenth annual report of the NAO for the 2019-2020 professional year in line with Article (19) of the NAO’s law.
The report covers (96) completed audit assignments, and includes (129) audit reports on these assignments in addition to (46) follow-up reports which help to ensure that the entities subject to the NAO’s audit implement the recommendations from previous reports and address the areas to be improved indicated by the NAO’s observations and recommendations.
His Excellency Sheikh Ahmed emphasized that the NAO followed a positive approach in accomplishing its tasks, which was based on partnership and cooperation with the entities subject to its audit in accordance with best practices. In addition, new procedures were introduced such as those related to the necessity to develop clear and specific plans to implement recommendations, and that follow-up work now covers two years instead of only one year as before.
He added, "The results of the NAO’s follow-up work showed that the entities subject to audit have implemented or started to implement about 80% of the total recommendations issued in the NAO’s reports, an increase of 14% compared to the professional year 2018/2019," which is a clear indicator that the procedures to be followed have become more effective.
His Excellency said, "Despite the exceptional circumstances brought about by the Covid 19 pandemic, the report was completed on time in line with consistent professional standards and best international practice with the cooperation of the entities subject to its audit and the NAO’s employees continuous efforts and dedication. "
He indicated that the support and patronage from His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, enabled the NAO to perform its duties efficiently, and he thanked His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister, and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Bahrain Defence Force and First Deputy Prime Minister for their directives to government agencies to implement the recommendations in the NAO’s reports.
His Excellency Sheikh Ahmed affirmed that the NAO will continue to perform its duties entrusted to it according to the law to serve the national interest and will continue to develop the capacity of its employees and improve organisational, technological and legal aspects as well as follow up on the latest international standards in auditing and accounting.
In the meeting, ways to enhance cooperation and coordination between the NAO and parliament in the field of audit and accounting were discussed as well as strengthening the principles of integrity, accountability and professionalism according to international standards in order to contribute to achieving the goals of the comprehensive development process led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
The Auditor General expressed his thanks and appreciation to the speaker and members of Parliament for their interest, their follow-up on the reports, observations and recommendations, and for the important role they play in serving the national interest.
