The meeting discussed further development of cooperation between the Supreme Audit Institutions of Uzbekistan and Slovakia, the exchange of best practices in public auditing, improvement of audit methodology, enhancement of institutional capacity, and expansion of international cooperation.

The meeting was held as part of the dialogue among the heads of Supreme Audit Institutions within the “Visegrad 4+2” format. The parties noted that effective use of public funds, protection of public interests, reduction of corruption risks, and ensuring the effectiveness of public institutions are common tasks facing Supreme Audit Institutions.

M. Abdullaev noted that political and economic relations between Uzbekistan and Slovakia have reached a new stage in recent years. It was emphasized that the establishment of strategic partnership relations between the two countries is of particular importance in this process.

Particular attention during the meeting was paid to the experience of the Supreme Audit Institution of Slovakia in the field of public auditing.

In particular, it was noted that audits of water supply infrastructure include a comprehensive assessment of the condition of infrastructure, the pace of its renewal, sustainable management, and future investment needs. It was emphasized that this approach is also relevant for Uzbekistan and that studying Slovakia’s experience would have practical value.

The parties also discussed audits conducted by the Supreme Audit Institution of Slovakia on the effectiveness of the use of funds allocated to science, research, and innovation. It was noted that, in addition to assessing the utilization of resources, approaches aimed at evaluating management mechanisms, the efficient use of funds, and risks related to conflicts of interest are also of interest to the Chamber of Accounts of Uzbekistan.

The importance of exchanging experience in assessing the effectiveness of the use of state-owned enterprises and public assets, the quality of management, and the performance of investment projects was also emphasized.

The parties noted that, alongside the professional capacity of a Supreme Audit Institution, its institutional independence is essential, as is ensuring that audit conclusions are based on evidence, methodology, and professional objectivity.

In this regard, studying the experience of the Supreme Audit Institution of Slovakia in the areas of institutional independence, the use of public funds, state aid, the competitive environment, and the assessment of corruption risks was identified as an important area for the Chamber of Accounts of Uzbekistan.

The meeting also included information on the work being carried out in Uzbekistan to identify risks in advance and prevent inefficient expenditure of funds through the digital audit system. It was noted that there are opportunities to exchange experience between Slovakia’s practices and the “Remote Audit” system of the Chamber of Accounts.

At the conclusion of the meeting, a number of measures aimed at giving practical substance to cooperation between the two Supreme Audit Institutions were identified.

In particular, training courses on audit methodology are planned for 2027, as well as professional development of Chamber of Accounts staff in Bratislava. The training courses will cover the quality management system, risk identification, root-cause analysis, and current issues in audit activities.

The parties also agreed to cooperate on an external assessment of the Chamber of Accounts’ activities through a “peer review”. In 2027, it is envisaged to study Slovakia’s external assessment methodology, agree on the scope and timeframe of the assessment, and prepare the results of the Chamber of Accounts’ self-assessment as a basis for the external assessment.

Another important area is participation in EUROSAI projects and implementation of a “dialogue bridge” initiative between the Supreme Audit Institutions of Central Asia and EUROSAI. During 2027, opportunities for participation in projects and events under Slovakia’s EUROSAI Presidency will be explored, and new formats for exchanging experience with the Supreme Audit Institutions of Central Asian countries will be proposed.

The parties also discussed the organization of an official visit by the Head of the Supreme Audit Institution of Slovakia to Uzbekistan. The timing of the visit is expected to be coordinated through diplomatic channels, while the visit programme and a draft Memorandum of Understanding to be signed are also to be prepared.

The meeting also included an exchange of views on establishing cooperation in joint seminars, expert exchanges, audits of state-owned enterprises, audits of major investment programmes, as well as water and environmental audits.

The parties emphasized the importance of ensuring the practical implementation of the agreements reached and consistently expanding professional ties between the Chamber of Accounts of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Supreme Audit Institution of the Slovak Republic.