Ministry of Finance and State Audit Office sign cooperation memorandum
Agreement aims to strengthen oversight of public funds through joint audits, training and information exchange.
The Ministry of Finance and the State Audit Office signed a memorandum of cooperation to strengthen oversight of public finances and improve coordination between the two institutions. The agreement was signed by Finance Minister Gordana Dimitrieska-Kochoska and Chief State Auditor Maksim Acevski.
According to the memorandum, the two bodies will create a formal framework for joint action aimed at preventing and detecting irregularities, fraud and corrupt practices, and for sharing technical and analytical expertise.
"The Ministry of Finance and the State Audit Office confirm a clear political and professional commitment to strong institutions, responsible management of public funds and zero tolerance for corruption. This partnership is not merely an administrative step, but a substantive reform that provides a foundation for better coordination, greater transparency and more effective protection of public funds. Our obligation is that every denar from domestic budget funds, as well as every euro from European funds, be spent lawfully, purposefully, responsibly and in the interest of citizens," Minister Gordana Dimitrieska-Kochoska said at the signing.
Practical measures and capacity building
Chief State Auditor Maksim Acevski said the memorandum establishes institutional synergy based on international audit standards and the operationalisation of the AFKOS network. "The signing of this Memorandum represents the establishment of an uncompromising system of institutional synergy, which, through concrete application of international auditing standards and the operationalisation of the AFKOS network, guarantees that every denar of taxpayers is protected from irregularities and fraud. With this cooperation, we not only raise transparency and accountability to the highest level in line with European values, but we directly improve the quality of services for citizens, ensuring that taxpayers' funds are used for the delivery of quality, timely and continuous services to citizens," Acevski said.
The memorandum foresees practical activities such as joint workshops, conferences, seminars and training sessions, as well as regular exchange of professional literature, accounting and auditing standards, methodological manuals, annual audit plans and final audit reports. Employees of the State Audit Office will be able to teach at training courses organised by the Ministry's Academy for Public Finance, while Ministry experts will contribute to continuous professional development programmes at the State Audit Office.
Officials said the initiative follows good practice in European Union member states and is intended to raise institutional capacity, improve transparency and ensure that public and EU funds are managed legally and purposefully for citizens' benefit.
Photo: press material from the event
