RIYADH — Saudi Arabia's anti-graft body, the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha), took part in the second international conference 2020 organized virtually by its Palestinian counterpart, the Palestinian Anti-Corruption Commission, to combat corruption. The conference under the theme "Integrity, transparency and accountability policies between principle and application" brought together a number of anti-corruption agencies from various countries of the world and a number of international anti-corruption organizations. Participating in the opening session, Dr. Nasser Abakhail, assistant president of the Nazaha for international cooperation, reviewed Saudi Arabia's rich experience in combating corruption. He quoted Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman as saying that corruption is the primary enemy of development and prosperity. "Based on its awareness of the seriousness of corruption, Saudi Arabia has set its Vision 2030, making "integrity", "transparency" and "accountability" among its main pillars," Abakhail said. Top Nazaha official also said that the coronavirus pandemic has made 2020 an exceptional year by all standards for all countries of the world, adding that the Kingdom, under its chairmanship of the G20, has succeeded in adopting a slew of unique initiatives to combat corruption. Abakhail expressed optimism that hoping that the Riyadh Initiative will contribute to enhancing the ability of states to prosecute the corrupt and retrieve stolen public funds. It is noteworthy that the Kingdom's participation comes as it marks the International Anti-Corruption Day, and is part of Nazaha's efforts to forge regional and international partnerships and exchange experiences for combating corruption.
