KUWAIT: The 22nd meeting of the heads of financial and accounting audit bureaus of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states commenced in Kuwait on Wednesday, with participants reaffirming their commitment to enhancing joint oversight efforts and safeguarding public funds. In his opening address, President of the State Audit Bureau (SAB) and chairman of the session, Essam Al-Roumi, underscored the importance of the gathering as an extension of earlier initiatives that have contributed to improving the quality and professionalism of supervisory work across the Gulf.

Al-Roumi noted that the agenda includes several key topics aimed at unifying the performance of GCC oversight bodies under the directives of Their Highnesses and Majesties, the leaders of the member states. He stressed that these discussions will pave the way for stronger professional advancement, greater effectiveness, and the fulfillment of the aspirations of Gulf societies.

The SAB chief expressed confidence that the meeting will take joint steps to support oversight work by strengthening cooperation, enhancing institutional capacities, and keeping pace with international and regional developments in the auditing field. He emphasized that coordination at the global level would help Gulf institutions present a unified vision within international and regional audit forums. Al-Roumi thanked GCC Secretary General Jasem Al-Budaiwi, the General Secretariat, and its officials for their continuous support of Gulf oversight committees, while extending special appreciation to Assistant Secretary General for Legislative and Legal Affairs, Counselor Sultan Al-Suwaidi, for his dedicated efforts in following up on the bureaus’ work.

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jassim Al-Budaiwi

Chairman of the Audit Bureau of the State of Kuwait, Issam Al-Roumi

For his part, GCC Secretary General Jasem Al-Budaiwi praised the remarkable efforts of member states in protecting public funds and promoting accountability. He said Gulf oversight bodies play a pivotal role in ensuring transparency through coordination, integration, and the exchange of expertise. Al-Budaiwi stressed that the joint efforts of the GCC audit bureaus reflect the deep sense of responsibility entrusted to them by the leaders of the Gulf states. “This keenness has earned our bureaus a prestigious standing at the regional and international levels,” he said.

He conveyed his gratitude to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Chairman of the current GCC Supreme Council session, for Kuwait’s effective stewardship in hosting and supporting Gulf meetings. He also congratulated Saudi Arabia on its 95th National Day and the United Arab Emirates on the Emirates Audit Authority’s election to the INTOSAI Executive Council. Al-Budaiwi explained that the General Secretariat prepared the agenda based on the outcomes of the 26th meeting of GCC undersecretaries, including discussions on the strategic training plan (2023-2025) and its extension (2026-2028) to strengthen capacity-building and enhance professional efficiency.

Other key issues on the table include the results of the sixth GCC auditing and accounting competition, the UAE proposal on auditing the accounts of the General Secretariat, the draft regulations for the Career Excellence Award, and the allocation of a Gulf week for financial auditing and accounting. Al-Budaiwi concluded by commending participants for their dedication and constructive contributions toward raising cooperation, integration, and institutional excellence in the field of financial oversight across the GCC. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Sabah on Wednesday decorated Army Chief of Staff Khaled Al-Shuraian with the rank of Lieutenant General, in implementation of an Amiri Decree issued by His Highness the Amir and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

In a statement, the Defense Ministry quoted Sheikh Abdullah as congratulating Lt Gen Al-Shuraian on the Amir’s confidence, describing the promotion as a reflection of his competence, leadership skills and long record of distinguished service. He wished the Army Chief further success in serving the nation, safeguarding its security and stability and preserving its achievements. The ceremony was attended by Defense Ministry Undersecretary Sheikh Dr Abdullah Meshaal Al-Sabah, Deputy Chief of Staff Maj Gen Sabah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and a number of senior officers.

Born in 1968, Lt Gen Al-Shuraian graduated from the Royal Jordanian Military College in 1990 and has since participated in several key operations, including the 1991 Kuwait Liberation War, the 2003 Iraq Liberation War and Saudi Arabia’s Operation Decisive Storm in 2015. He previously served as Commander of the Kuwaiti Air Defense Force and has received numerous medals and decorations in recognition of his service. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah and Chief of the Diwan of His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Thamer Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah on Monday received Gulf envoys at Bayan Palace to extend congratulations on their new appointments.

The officials received Saudi Ambassador to Kuwait Prince Sultan bin Saad bin Khalid Al-Saud, Bahraini Ambassador Salah Ali Al-Maliki and Qatari Ambassador Ali bin Abdullah Al-Mahmoud. On the same day, Sheikh Hamad also received a delegation from the Kuwait Sports Club for the Deaf, reaffirming the government’s support for sports and initiatives promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities. — KUNA