Doha, December 17 (QNA) - HE President of the Palestinian Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) Raed Radwan said that the State of Qatar is an active and key partner in supporting international efforts to combat corruption, praising Qatar's pioneering role in advancing Arab and international anti-corruption work.

His Excellency told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the State of Qatar is a prominent member of relevant international and regional anti-corruption conventions.

He noted that more than two years ago, PACC and Qatar's Administrative Control and Transparency Authority (ACTA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance the exchange of expertise and capacity building, adding that they also organized a joint workshop on the right to access information law back, in September.

His Excellency pointed out that Doha's hosting of the eleventh session of the Conference of the States Parties to the UN Convention against Corruption (COSP11) is an important platform for bringing together anti-corruption institutions worldwide, discussing a shared agenda that includes international cooperation and the recovery of stolen assets, as well as submitting draft resolutions to develop the experiences of member states.

He pointed out that Palestine's participation in COSP11 reflects its serious desire to benefit from international experiences and exchange expertise in a manner that develops its national experience and enables it to perform its duties efficiently and effectively, in addition to highlighting the ongoing crimes and violations committed against the Palestinian people by the Israeli occupation.

HE the President of PACC also addressed the challenges facing Palestine due to the Israeli occupation's arbitrary measures, including the fragmentation of Palestinian geography, the closure of crossings, and the withholding of tax revenues for more than two years, which have affected citizens' movement and the regularity of official working hours for employees. He stressed that PACC continues to carry out its national duties despite these difficulties.

He noted that PACC operates in accordance with a comprehensive national vision to combat corruption that encompasses state institutions, the private sector, and civil society, with a focus on preventing corruption before it occurs. He also referred to the launch of the national strategy for governance and anti-corruption, which was prepared in partnership with various stakeholders, and the formation of a national team to oversee its implementation.

His Excellency further highlighted PACC's efforts in inquiry and investigation into suspected corruption cases, noting that more than thirty suspects have been referred to the Public Prosecution. He also underscored its active role at the Arab and international levels, including chairing the fifth session of the Conference of the States Parties to the Arab Anti-Corruption Convention and submitting draft resolutions to COSP10 and COSP11.

He emphasized the importance of developing the Arab experience in combating digital corruption in light of the rapid digitalization of services and the expansion of the electronic environment, calling on Qatar to lead this developmental track given its advanced expertise and experience.

In concluding his interview with QNA, HE the President of PACC expressed his gratitude to the State of Qatar, its leadership, government, and people, for their generous hospitality, excellent organization, and warm reception, wishing the conference success in strengthening frameworks for international cooperation in combating corruption, and continued progress and prosperity for the State of Qatar. (QNA)