Information Minister participates in Arab-Chinese Media Cooperation Forum

Manama, Nov. 25 (BNA): Information Minister Ali bin Mohammed Al Romaihi took part today in the virtual Arab-Chinese Media Cooperation Forum which was organised by the Arab League with the participation of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan and China. In his opening speech, Al Romaihi stressed keenness of the Kingdom of Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, to boost strategic partnership with the People’s Republic of China, based on a long history of bilateral cooperation, friendship and mutual respect. He pointed out Manama’s hosting of the 3rd ministerial meeting of the Arab-Chinese Cooperation Forum in May 2008 and the 2nd Media Cooperation Forum in May 2010. Concerning the responsibility of the media in bolstering the Arab-Chinese development in light of the coronavirus pandemic, the Information Minister underlined the importance of promoting the vital role of mass media and telecommunication in unifying the efforts to foster civilizational dialogue and strategic partnership, exchange experiences as well as material and human resources and raise social awareness in confronting the pandemic. The minister spotlighted part of the pioneering Bahraini experience in combating the pandemic. He highlighted the preemptive and precautionary procedures taken by the kingdom thanks to the noble royal directives and the efforts of Bahrain taskforce, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He also praised Bahrain’s comprehensive health system and the sustainability of its services for all, pointing out other measures taken by Bahrain to weather the repercussions of the pandemic, including a financial package to support those who were affected by the virus outbreak. The Minister of Information pointed out the kingdom’s support to the international developmental and health initiatives, stressing its solidarity with China as the first country affected by the pandemic. He also asserted keenness to take advantage of China’s experience in confronting it. He called to enhance the Arab-Chinese developmental and media partnership and draw a consensual media plan to support the goals of the Belt and Road Initiative by activating cooperation projects in the radio and television fields and production of joint programmes. He also urged to foster cooperation in promoting the culture of tolerance, peace, coexistence and dialogue between the Arab and Chinese civilisations.