Bahrain's pioneering reforms hailed

Manama, Dec. 15 (BNA): Information Minister and Board of Trustees Chairman of Bahrain Institute for Political Development (BIPD) Ali bin Mohammed Al Romaihi praised Bahrain's achievements, unprecedented political and economic reforms and promotion of human rights and media freedom brought about by the reform project of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The Information Minister extended heartfelt congratulations to HM the King, His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier, and all the Bahraini people on the National Days marking the anniversary of the establishment of the modern state of Bahrain as an Arab and Muslim country in 1783 by its founder Ahmed Al-Fateh, the 45th anniversary of its accession to the UN as a full member and the 17th Anniversary of HM the King's Accession to the Throne. Al Romaihi expressed appreciation of the democratic and human rights achievements as well as sustainable economic development spearheaded by HM the King with a farsighted vision and after the inauguration of the National Action Charter with an overwhelming majority of 98.4% of popular votes in 2001. He also emphasized Bahrain's standing as a pioneering model in political reform, economic freedom as well as human and civilisational development. The Information Minister pointed out Bahrain's success to achieve high rates of economic development in line with the Economic Vision 2030 which is based on justice, competitiveness and sustainability. He asserted keenness to boost citizens' welfare, preserve resources for future generations by ensuring an advanced economy, high quality education, optimum healthcare, social justice and equal opportunities for all. The Information Minister hailed the constitutional amendments as well as legislative and human rights developments to promote the modern civil state within the framework of a contemporary constitutional monarchy. He also praised the royal reform initiatives which restored parliamentary work in 2002 within the framework of a bicameral parliament. He stressed independence of the judiciary and high performance of the Supreme Constitutional Court, pointing out the monitoring role of the parliament and the National Audit Office. The Information Minister commended Bahrain's diplomacy in supporting regional and international peace and security, respect of countries' sovereignty, fighting extremism and terrorism, fostering inter-cultural dialogue and religious co-existence and ostracizing religious and sectarian division and hatred. He voiced Bahrain's pride in hosting the 37th GCC Summit recently, which was chaired by HM the King and which yielded positive results in promoting the GCC citizenship and pressing ahead with cooperation towards the GCC union. The Information Minister affirmed that Bahrain presents an outstanding experience in respecting human rights and fundamental and personal liberties, pointing out its access to 24 international human rights agreements. He also lauded the effective contribution of Bahraini women to the development process in Bahrain, stressing the efforts of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW) in this respect under the presidency of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Wife of HM the King. The Information Minister noted that press and media freedom represents the cornerstone of the democratic and human rights process in Bahrain, stressing political openness in Bahrain and freedom of expression and its adherence to the constitutional regulations as well as professional and moral criteria. He underlined the key role played by the media and press in preserving national unity through constructive criticism and renunciation of discourse inciting division, hatred, sectarianism, extremism and terrorism. He underscored development of the national media in form and content in the prosperous era of HM the King with the number of newspapers going up from four dailies in 2000 to 7 dailies, 15 weekly newspapers and magazines and 38 monthly magazines. He also pointed out the existence of 9 news websites, underlining development of the audio-visual media with 5 TV channels and 10 radio stations. The Information Minister also pointed out the establishment of the state-of-the-art National Communication Centre as per royal decree 84 for 2016 which aims to unify the public media discourse according to a clear approach based on coordination between the government bodies in disclosing information and communicating with local, regional and international mass media. As part of the unrelenting efforts to upgrade the media field, Al Romaihi said HRH the Premier patronized this year the distribution ceremony of Khalifa bin Salman Press Award. He added HRH the Prime Minister also inaugurated the new Information Ministry's development projects as part of initiatives to support the national media. The Information Minister hailed the efforts of Bahrain security and military forces in preserving national security and stability, securing the borders and vital establishments, protecting public and private properties, thwarting terror plots and paving the way for a more vigorous economic, trade and social momentum. He reiterated pledge to continue working on promoting the state of law and institutions, cementing national unity and social cohesion and highlighting the kingdom's accomplishments.