The Heads of European and Asian SAIs who participated in the Istanbul conference discussed mainly the role of auditing in enhancing transparency and accountability of public finance. SAI Heads presented the experience of their countries in the area. They also debated on several other issues. The Head of the Korean SAI presented the reform of the internal audit system. While representatives of India, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland and Turkey discussed the role of the media in communication between SAIs and citizens. The discussion was joined by the Heads of the Accounts Chamber of the Russian Federation, the European Court of Auditors, and the SAIs of Iraq, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
The highlight of the conference was the signing of the ”Istanbul Memorandum” by Chairs and Secretaries General of EUROSAI and ASOSAI. The two organisations committed themselves to support and strengthen their mutual cooperation. The memorandum provides the basis for developing external government auditing by increased communication and technical cooperation between EUROSAI and ASOSAI. ‘The value of our collaboration will depend on whether we will start realising joint projects. The first step has already been taken,’ concluded President Jezierski.
