HRH Premier pays tribute to journalists

Manama, Dec. 4 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa has affirmed that journalists deserve all kinds of support, given their enlightening and awareness-raising role, constant defence of the country, Bahrain, landmark achievements, as well as their keenness on countering smear campaigns and false allegations. HRH Premier extended appreciation to the press and media community for their efforts, voicing pride in their articles in which they showcase their responsibility towards the nation and its people through unifying stances, strengthening national unity and warding off sedition. The Prime Minister commended the role played by the national press in enlightening the public opinion and developing its awareness regarding various local and international issues, within a framework of objectivity that reflects the extent of the progress reached by the Bahraini Press. The Bahraini Press boasts a long history of professionalism and sober work that are based on a rich heritage in which successive generations of journalists and outstanding columnist have contributed and deserve to have their names engraved in the national memory with pride. HRH Premier made the statements while receiving, at his Palace in Riffa, the newly-elected Board of Directors of the Bahrain Journalists Association (BJA), led by Moanes Al Mardi, and congratulated them on the confidence of Bahraini journalists, wishing them every success in upgrading the noble journalism profession and achieving the aspirations of the press and media community in the kingdom. The Prime Minister saluted Bahraini journalists for their unwavering desire to defend the nation and highlight Bahrain's civilisational and progress strides in various fields, lauding the keenness of the Bahraini journalism to communicate with the citizens and express their concerns. HRH Premier reiterated the government's support to BJA by providing them with all requirements that enable it to play its role in serving journalists, in line with its belief in the importance of the sincere and honest word in developing society. "Your voice is heard and enjoys all appreciation. The media and press message should strengthen our national unity and the cohesion of our social fabric. The interests of the nation and the progress of its people should be ultimate goal for which everyone should focus on achieving," he told the audience. The Prime Minister affirmed that the challenges that have affected the security and stability of the peoples of the region require Bahrainis to be more aware, vigilant and committed to their deep-rooted genuine values of fraternity and co-existence among the members of the one-society. HRH the Prime Minister lauded the Bahraini journalism, whose youth competencies and distinguished articles, reflects the extent of the progress of the freedom of opinion and expression in Bahrain, within a framework of responsibility that supports efforts to safeguard the nation's security, stability and hard-won gains. "We are proud of the advanced level reached by Bahraini journalism in terms of ideas and analysis, and its keenness to promote knowledge, science and enlightenment. The Bahraini Press should carry on assuming its noble mission for the sake of advancing society," he added. The Prime Minister hailed the role played by BJA, being an all-inclusive framework that expresses the aspirations of all Bahraini journalists, calling on journalists to harness their pens for the sake of defending the nation's security and stability and fortifying society against division. Moanes Al Mardi extended profound thanks and appreciation to HRH the Prime Minister for his unwavering support to journalists, stressing that the Premier's constant appreciation of them is a badge of honour of which all journalists are proud. He added that HRH Premier's praise of journalists will motivate them to exert more efforts in the service of the homeland. BJA chairman lauded HRH Premier's directives and advice which, he said, reflects his wisdom, far-sightedness and appreciation of journalists. He stressed that HRH the Prime Minister's support is a source of inspiration for journalists while assuming their duties. The Bahrain Press will remain at the forefront in defending that nation and highlighting its progress in various fields.