Crown Prince receives 2014-2015 National Audit Report and stresses importance of transparency and accountability

Manama, Nov.5 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, today received the President of the National Audit Office (NAO), His Excellency Hassan bin Khalifa Al Jalahma, at Gudaibiya Palace. His Excellency Hassan Al Jalahma presented His Royal Highness with the 2014-2015 National Audit Report. During the meeting, His Royal Highness stressed that the government will continue to use all legal and constitutional tools available to ensure the preservation of public funds through effective oversight and accountability, in accordance with the directives of His Majesty the King. His Royal Highness praised the NAO’s comprehensive efforts to monitor violations and the inefficient use of public funds. His Royal Highness also emphasised that the government, under the leadership of His Royal Highness the Prime Minister, Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, carefully considers the annual NAO reports and that the government’s Executive Committee will take forward all necessary measures to ensure government transparency and accountability in order to enhance productivity and performance. In addition, His Royal Highness emphasised that the entities that fall under the NAO’s supervision will receive support in order to fully apply the principles of accountability and transparency. His Royal Highness went on to stress the importance of government integrity and professionalism when delivering public services, in order to effectively meet the needs of its citizens. His Royal Highness concluded by highlighting government entities’ continued cooperation with the NAO, and emphasised the importance of implementing the recommendations outlined in the report. For his part, His Excellency Hassan Al Jalahma expressed gratitude for the opportunity to meet with His Royal Highness and for his continued support to the NAO.