Kudrin announces upcoming visit by U.S. Government Accountability Office to Moscow
MOSCOW. Sept 24 (Interfax) - Russian Accounts Chamber head Alexei Kudrin has announced an upcoming visit to Russia by representatives of the U.S. Government Accountability Office, who will exchange experience with their Russian colleagues.
"We are expecting a delegation from the U.S. as early as next year," Kudrin told reporters at the XVIII INTOSAI Congress after the signing of a memorandum of understanding on cooperation between the Russian Accounts Chamber and the U.S. GAO.
The U.S. delegation is expected at the start of next year, rather than in the autumn, as was envisaged earlier. "Their financial year begins with October 1, and as you know, in their parliament, they have heated discussions about the budget and extending certain limits for the latest period. As such, they have said that it's best for them to visit at the start of next year," Kudrin said.
This year, Kudrin, followed by a delegation from the Russian Accounts Chamber, visit the U.S. to exchange experience with their American colleagues, Kudrin said. "Many of the GAO's departments told us about how they operate currently. I must say that in some things, we look in good shape and are even somewhat more advanced," Kudrin said.
As an example, Kudrin cited the tax office, which in Russia is "more technically outfitted than in many countries," as well as the system for monitoring state purchasing, which is also "more advanced than in many countries" from a technical standpoint.
The memorandum, signed by Kudrin and GAO head Gene Dodaro, updated an earlier agreement on partnership between the two countries' oversight agencies. "Essentially, this is strictly an update of the agreement that was in effect earlier. It allows for exchange of experience, best practices, information, and also for the conduct of joint parallel projects," Kudrin said.
He proposed his American colleague several areas for bilaterial projects, Kudrin also said. "I highlighted several areas, they said: 'Very interesting, we will give you an answer'," he said.
There are plans to consider the areas of strategic audit, social sector audit, IT, digitization, as well as human resources matters and environmental issues, the Accounts Chamber told reporters.
On September 25, Russia will assume the presidency of the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI).