Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 18 April, Akmal Burkhanov, Director of Uzbekistan’s Anti-Corruption Agency, met with Mazin bin Ibrahim Al-Kahmous, President of Saudi Arabia’s Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha).

The meeting aimed to strengthen professional ties between the anti-corruption bodies of the two countries, discuss mechanisms for experience sharing, and enhance staff development opportunities through mutual collaboration.

Established in 2011, Nazaha plays a key role in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to combat and eradicate corruption. The authority is tasked with implementing the National Strategy for the Protection of Integrity and Combating Corruption, as well as monitoring and analyzing its outcomes and developing practical mechanisms for implementation.

The dialogue between the two agencies' leaders was initiated during the Second Ministerial Meeting of Anti-Corruption Authorities of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), held in Doha, Qatar, in November 2024. It laid the groundwork for practical discussions on anti-corruption efforts and potential avenues for mutually beneficial cooperation.

During the meeting, Mazin Al-Kahmous praised Uzbekistan’s progress in fighting corruption, highlighting the country's steady rise in international anti-corruption rankings.

Akmal Burkhanov emphasized the importance of international cooperation in advancing anti-corruption reforms in Uzbekistan. He noted that studying Saudi Arabia’s best practices in this field would help implement new and effective mechanisms.

The parties discussed a wide range of collaborative activities, including experience sharing, joint training and internship programs, and staff development initiatives. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed as a result of the meeting, laying a legal foundation for bilateral cooperation.

The MoU aims to enhance collaboration in combating corruption and building the institutional capacity of both parties. It outlines areas of cooperation such as the exchange of research on corruption prevention, sharing insights into root causes of corruption, and organizing joint training courses and workshops. The document also supports the implementation of joint projects aimed at fostering a culture of integrity and intolerance toward corruption.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides affirmed their commitment to establishing effective and mutually beneficial cooperation, setting clear goals and plans for each area discussed.