Premier honours Khalifa bin Salman Press Award winners

Manama, May 9 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa has affirmed that Bahraini journalists deserve all kinds of honouring thanks to their dedication in the service of the homeland, stressing that the Bahrain Press Day is an annual occasion to pay tribute to journalists for their keenness to shoulder their patriotic responsibilities towards the nation and the citizens. The Prime Minister was speaking as he patronised a celebration marking Bahrain Press Day during which winners of the second edition of the "Khalifa bin Salman Press Award" were honoured. HRH Premier congratulated the laureates of the prestigious award, and voiced pride in the Bahraini Press. "His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa's belief in the importance of the role of the Press and media has paved the way for journalism to develop its constructive role in serving society, to embody the advanced level of freedom of opinion and expression the kingdom enjoys under its Constitution," HRH Premier said, noting that journalism reflects the success of the economic and political fields in the country, as well the status of freedoms that flourish thanks to them. The Premier affirmed that honouring the national press is a token of appreciation for all those who played a crucial role in enlightening society and serving its security and stability to the fullest, affirming that the progress of the Bahraini Press is based on the milestone achievements of successive generations of journalists and columnists who, he said, had been committed to press ethics and to the nobility of their mission, as well as to placing national interests above everything else. HRH Premier praised the in-depth analyses, impartiality and ability of the media people in Bahrain to deal with modern technology, calling for the need to draw inspiration from the landmark contributions of press pioneers in the kingdom, and for following in their steps in countering attempts to undermine national unity. He highlighted the importance of the role of journalists in clarifying facts and shedding light on the challenges faced by the kingdom, affirming that the national press has succeeded in enlightening the public and uncovering attempts to distort reality and disseminating fallacies to subvert security and stability and sow division among members of the Bahraini society. Earlier, Information Minister Ali bin Mohammed Al Rumaihi extended in his speech thanks and gratitude to HRH the Prime Minister for patronising the ceremony which, he said, reflects his unwavering support to the press and media sector and keenness on promoting responsible freedom of expression. He voiced the press and media community's pride in HRH the Premier's contributions to building the modern civil state and boosting Bahrain's regional and international standing. He stressed that the honourable stances of the press towards the issues of the nation and the GCC will always be remembered. He added that Bahrain and other GCC countries, especially Saudi Arabia, have been targeted by smear media campaigns, noting that all those plots and illusions have been foiled. Addressing the press and media personnel, Al-Romaihi called on them to spare no effort in preserving Bahrain's national unity and authentic identity and be proud of its Arab identity and belonging to the GCC. Ibrahim Bashmi, the Chairman of the Jury, extended in a statement thanks and appreciation to HRH Premier for patronising the ceremony to honour the winners of the "Khalifa bin Salman Press Award". He also extended thanks and appreciation to HRH the Prime Minister for his unlimited support to journalism and journalists. Bahrain Journalists Association (BJA) Chairman Moanes Al-Mardi voiced, in his statement, pride in the Prime Minister's support to the press and encouragement of its personnel in order to motivate them to be more dedicated for the sake of the nation. He added that the Bahraini Press has shown an outstanding ability to take advantage of the prevailing freedom to exercise its role, which, he said, has resulted in a creative interaction between a leadership that believes in the press mission and a journalism that boasts all tools of progress and creativity. Such an outstanding interaction has created a strong and effective journalism that is playing its role within a framework of transparency, objectivity and national responsibility, he explained. A short film highlighting HRH Premier's support to the press and media community, as well as his unwavering interest in supporting the role of the press in pushing comprehensive development efforts forward, was screened. HRH the Prime Minister honoured the winners of the "Khalifa bin Salman Press Award". They are Sayed Zahra from "Akhbar Al-Khaleej" newspaper for the "Best Column", Sayed Ahmed Radhi, from "Al-Ayyam" newspaper for the "Best Press Interview", Zahra Habib from "Al Watan" newspaper for the "Best Investigative Report", and Ibrahim Khalil, from "Al-Bilad" newspaper for the "Best Press Photo". The press and media personnel extended sincere thanks and appreciation to HRH the Prime Minister for honouring them, stressing the role of the "Khalifa bin Salman Press Award" in motivating them and fostering creativity.