HM King's keynote address on World Press Freedom Day

Manama, May 2 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has paid tribute to the pioneers of thought and creativity, as well as to the symbols of the "free and responsible word". In a keynote address marking the World Press Freedom Day, which falls on May 3, and 80 years since the issuance of the first newspaper in Bahrain, HM the King stressed that the Bahraini national media has, throughout its long history, promoted noble principles, carried out its noble mission of consolidating common national values, raised awareness and played its cultural and cognitive enlightenment role. "It is a source of pride that our celebrations of this international event this year, themed "Media for Democracy: Journalism and Elections in Times of Disinformation", coincide with the success of the kingdom’s democratic march in entering a new phase of progress thanks to the awareness of the Bahraini citizens, and their effective participation in ensuring the success of the fifth session of the parliamentary and municipal elections," HM the King said. "Since the beginning our Reform Project, two decades ago, we have been keen to promote the press and media freedom, being integral to humans’ rights to knowledge, and expression of opinion and thought freely and responsibly, as well as being a vital witness to the sustainability of our democratic approach within the rule of law and constitutional institutions on the basis of justice, equality and respect for basic liberties and human dignity. This has been based on progressive legislation, fair and impartial justice, elected legislative and municipal councils, independent human rights institutions and an effective civil society," HM the King added. HM King Hamad affirmed that the national media, whether printed, visual, audio or electronic, has proved its outstanding ability to assume its responsibilities in supporting the reform and modernisation process and pushing the nation-building and sustainable development march forward, stressing that it has carried out its mission with "competence and transparency while covering the electoral process and the democratic events, supporting the responsible parliamentary work of the Shura and Representatives councils and consolidating the principles of oversight, accountability and transparency." HM the King added: "In this regard, we would also like to extend our thanks and appreciation to the Ministry of Information Affairs and all its affiliates for the tangible efforts they are exerting, in cooperation with the National Communication Centre and the Bahrain Journalists Association, to develop the press and media field legislatively, professionally and technically, so as to cope with the democratic and development process, as well as the national distinction in the fields of information and communication technology, and the use of the Internet and social media networks." HM King Hamad valued highly the contributions of the national media and technical competencies and columnists among press work pioneers and creative young people, being the kingdom's "real asset on the path of democratic reform and economic and social progress." "We are particularly proud of women's participation in the press, media and communication sectors, which led them to reach the presidency of the Bahraini Journalists Association well-deservedly. This is added to their success in competently chairing the Council of Representatives, and proving themselves as worthy partners in various work, production and responsibility positions, thanks to the support and encouragement of the Supreme Council for Women," HM the King also said. "We are fully confident that the responsible national media, in all its channels, including the independent free press, is our key pillar in consolidating democracy, good governance and knowledge-based society, as well as supporting the goals of sustainable development in line with our Economic Vision 2030 and the Government Action Plan. This is within the framework of transparency, rule of the law, commitment to the ethics of the media profession and readiness to continue their contributions in defending the homeland's security and stability, safeguarding its cultural and civilisational identity, and enhancing its developmental and reform gains," HM the King added. "We strongly believe that through their commitment to media regulations and professional ethics, journalists and media personnel are the cornerstone for building and promoting a democratic society in which security, peace and justice prevail, as well as for defending the homeland and its achievements in the face of lies, rumours and misleading campaigns." HM the King added. HM King Hamad stressed that journalists and media persons could play their national role through their "respect for the Constitution, the law and codes of honour, adherence to accuracy, honesty and credibility while expressing their opinions and covering events, spreading the culture of love and tolerance, placing national interests above their religious, sectarian or ideological affiliations, championing the just Arab and Islamic issues, particularly the Palestinian cause, rallying behind sisterly Saudi Arabia in its wise leadership of the Nation in strengthening the pillars of moderation and peace, in addition to combating extremism and terrorism." Commenting on the current situation in the region and the world, HM the King said: "We are in dire need to strengthen the national front, deepen the international partnership and enhance cooperation among media, educational, cultural, religious and human rights institutions to establish the spirit of good citizenship, promote human values of tolerance, moderation and coexistence among religions, cultures and civilisations, maintain national security, order and public morals, and reject violence and extremist ideology, in accordance with religious teachings and international conventions aimed at creating peaceful, secure and prosperous societies." HM the King stressed that this is necessary in the midst of the ongoing regional and global upheavals, increasing attempts to fuel sedition, sow division and incite hatred, enmity and terrorism, especially in light of the current digital era and rapidly growing social media networks. HM King Hamad wished ever-lasting prosperity, security, peace, progress and more sustainable development for the Bahrain and its people, as well as the Arab and Muslim nations, and the entire humanity.