Speaker, Information Minister discuss supporting press, media institutions

Manama, Nov. 18 (BNA): Speaker of the Council of Representatives, Fawzia bint Abdulla Zainal, received here today the Information Affairs Minister, Ali bin Mohammed Al-Romaihi. The two sides discussed ways to enhance joint cooperation for the best interests of the nation and the citizens, and in order to consolidate the national achievements, in light of the comprehensive development march spearheaded by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The speaker lauded the ongoing fruitful cooperation between the Council of Representatives and the government, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and Prime Minister, stressing the importance of enhancing cooperation between the Representatives Council and the Information Affairs Ministry to highlight the kingdom’s achievements during HM the King’s prosperous era. She indicated that supporting national media outlets and press institutions is among the priorities of parliamentary work in Bahrain, stressing the need to support media and press institutions in light of the repercussions of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. She praised the Information Affairs Ministry’s efforts to support the national press and mass media, hailing the progress witnessed by the official media institutions, as well as their distinguished works and programmes that have contributed to cementing the values and principles of citizenship and national belonging, as well as supporting the national achievements and fundamentals. Al-Romaihi affirmed the government’s keenness to enhance cooperation with the Representatives Council in order to meet the aspirations and needs of Bahraini citizens. He highlighted the Information Affairs Ministry’s interest in developing the media system, supporting press and media institutions, as well as consolidating all civilisational practices of freedom of opinion and expression, in accordance with the national fundamentals and the professional responsibility. The minister expressed appreciation to the Council of Representatives for its commendable unwavering efforts to discuss and tackle major national issues, which, he said, contributes to ensuring complementarity between the executive and legislative branches in serving the nation and the citizens.