Paris (VNA) - Deputy Auditor General Bui Quoc Dung led a delegation from the State Audit Office of Vietnam (SAV) to the Cour des comptes (French Court of Accounts), as part of a working visit to Azerbaijan and France from July 15–24, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties between the two supreme audit institutions.

The Vietnamese delegation was received by senior French officials including Jean-Yves Bertucci, President of the Court’s Litigation Chamber; Audrey Chaffard and Thomas Basset, senior judges; and Guillaume Brule, deputy director of international relations.

Bertucci welcomed the Vietnamese delegation's visit and reviewed recent milestones in bilateral engagement.

He expressed hope that Vietnam will consider joining the Association of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) with French as a common language (AISCCUF) and becoming an observer at the upcoming Forum of Supreme Audit Institutions with Jurisdictional Functions, to be held on the sidelines of the INTOSAI Congress in Egypt later this year.

Deputy Auditor General Dung thanked the French side for their warm reception, noting that the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and France, announced during Party General Secretary To Lam’s 2024 visit, has opened new avenues for cooperation.

He highlighted that bilateral ties are currently enjoying a period of strong development, with France consistently among Vietnam’s top partners in Europe and globally.

Dung commended the role and reputation of the Court of Accounts and expressed Vietnam’s interest in expanding ties, especially in areas such as anti-corruption, anti-money laundering, public policy evaluation and auditing of international organisations. He welcomed France’s cooperation initiatives and pledged to task relevant departments with follow-up.

On this occasion, the two sides co-hosted a seminar on green public procurement audits and the application of artificial intelligence in auditing. The sessions provided valuable insight into modern audit practices. The French side also agreed to share relevant materials and professional guidelines with SAV.

Both institutions agreed to explore future joint seminars and pledged continued support for one another at INTOSAI forums and cooperation activities between ASOSAI and EUROSAI.

Speaking to the Vietnam News Agency, Deputy Auditor General Dung said the Vietnamese delegation actively engaged at the 62nd meeting of the ASOSAI Governing Board and other events in Azerbaijan.

Reflecting on the working sessions with the French side, Dung highlighted the French Court’s expertise in public finance, anti-corruption and international audits - priority areas for Vietnam. He emphasised the importance of direct dialogue and professional exchange in deepening bilateral cooperation./.