Bahrain calls for effective communication in confronting challenges

Istanbul, Oct. 23 (BNA): The Ministry of Information has participated in the 12th session of the Islamic Conference of Information Ministers, organized by the General Secretariat of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, in Istanbul, on October 21 - 22. The session, under the theme of "Combating Disinformation and Islamophobia in the Post-Truth Era," was attended by ministers and high-level representatives from 57 countries. Information Ministry Undersecretary Dr. Abdulrahman Mohammed Bahar headed Bahrain's delegation on behalf of Information Minister Dr. Ramzan bin Abdullah Al Nuaimi. In his speech, Bahar stressed that elevating the level of information within the Islamic world and enhancing it represent a core issue to strengthen the capacity of the OIC countries to face the prevailing challenges and their various dimensions and impacts. He pointed out that at the invitation of His Majesty the King, Bahrain will welcome in November a historic official visit of His Holiness Pope Francis and His Eminence Dr Ahmed El-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar to participate in the "Bahrain Forum for Dialogue: East and West for Human Coexistence". The visit by the two eminent religious figures reinforces Bahrain's commitment to build bridges between the leaders of religions, sects, thoughts, culture and media across the globe. It also consolidates Bahrain's keenness on achieving closer rapprochement and deeper cooperation among peoples and cultures thanks to its history of humanitarian generosity and initiatives to reinforce coexistence, peace, stability, and cordiality for the sake of humanity and prosperity. "The private and public media institutions have a great responsibility to express the policies and orientations of countries that are derived from our true Islamic religion that encourage peace, cooperation and development of mankind for the sake of all people," he said. He stressed that the current stage needs the intensification of media coordination and cooperation at the level of Arab and Islamic countries in order for the media to express more clearly their unified position in light of the circumstances facing the world. The undersecretary emphasized the importance of building media messages that are capable of effectively communicating with the others and conveying our views based on the principles of Islam that highlight compassion, coexistence, fraternity and moderation while shunning extremism and fanaticism. He called for Islamic discourses that keep pace with the fast developments in the media, mainly amid the increase in the numbers and influence of social media. Bahar also called for reinforcing cultural and media exchanges between the member states on all matters that promote peace, security and cooperation.