HRH Premier receives BJA board, hails journalists’ role

Manama, Feb. 3 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa received at Gudaibiyah Palace today Bahrain Journalists Association (BJA) new board, led by President Ahdeya Ahmed. HRH the Premier congratulated them on the trust of the association's members, wishing them success in bringing about further achievements to develop journalism and achieve the aspirations of journalists. HRH the Premier hailed the national role of Bahrain press in enlightening public opinion, raising awareness and highlighting national issues honestly and responsibly. He stressed the need to consider the national interest when using media and social networks, pointing out that current challenges require more awareness and concerted efforts to serve national goals, including mainly preserving national security and stability and protecting the community from the dangers of disunity. HRH the Prime Minister reiterated congratulations to Ahdeya Ahmed on her election as BJA president, which asserts Bahraini women's high competence and capability to achieve and to take up high profile posts. He also lauded the role of BJA in expressing the journalists' aspirations and defending their interests, stressing the government's keenness to support the association in performing its noble role. He hailed the efforts of Bahraini journalists in defending the nation's security and stability and backing the kingdom's development and civilisational progress and paid tribute for their honourable stances and responsible role in serving the nation’s progress. HRH the Premier underscored Bahrain's inherent approach of defending freedom of expression to boost constructive participation in serving the community. He pointed out the government's keenness to follow up on issues raised by the media and press as part of its responsibility to assess national needs. He praised the columnists’ role that reflects perpetual growth of the Bahraini press. Information Minister Ali bin Mohammed Al Romaihi praised the wise vision and valuable directives of HRH the Prime Minister to upgrade the press and media sector in Bahrain and back it so as to achieve citizens' aspirations and keep abreast of fast-paced developments. He lauded the meeting, praising HRH the Premier for reiterating pledge to continue supporting the journalists in order to achieve their aspirations and help them build on previous national gains. He described this unwavering support as a source of pride for every journalist and media person in Bahrain and an assertion of the responsible and historical role of the national press to enlighten the public opinion and back the sustainable and comprehensive development march. Al Romaihi affirmed the national press' commitment to HRH the Premier's directives to perform its role with dedication so as to serve the high national interest, maintain the kingdom's security and stability and preserve Bahrain's cultural identity and inherent traditions. He underscored adherence to impartiality, objectivity, credibility and responsibility to boost the kingdom's prosperity under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The BJA president extended heartfelt thanks and respect to HRH the Premier for his unlimited support to journalism and journalists in tribute for their remarkable contribution to serving the nation. She, alongside the board members, expressed gratitude to HRH the Prime Minister for his unflinching support, highlighting the significance of Khalifa bin Salman Press Award which aims to encourage journalists to exert more efforts in serving national issues. They also praised HRH the Premier's visions that mirror a strong belief in the role of the press in serving the community and commended the open-door policy of HRH the Prime Minister to fast-track the kingdom's growth.