Information Minister congratulates BJA board

Manama, Jan.26 (BNA): Information Affairs Minister Ali bin Mohammed Al-Romaihi congratulated Bahrain Journalists Association (BJA), chaired by Ahdiya Ahmed, Daily Tribune Deputy Editor-in Chief, on their election. He hailed the elections, which were held this morning at the headquarters of the Bahrain Society of Engineers in Juffair, lauding the atmosphere of integrity, transparency, impartiality and fraternity which marked the polls. He stressed the ministry’s keenness on bolstering partnership with the association to promote journalists’ rights, improve their social and professional conditions and enable them to fulfill their noble mission freely, objectively and responsibly. He paid tribute to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, hailing landmark democratic strides and civilizational gains in the prosperous era. He hailed the election of a woman as chairperson, in a first since the establishment of the association in the year 2000, in addition to the presence of three other women as BJA board members, which coincided also with the election of Ms. Fawziya bint Abdulla Zainal as Council of Representatives Speaker. The new strides, which come days before the Arab Women Day, reflect the status of Bahraini women and their landmark achievements, as essential partners in the democratic and development process. He lauded the dedicated efforts exerted by Supreme Council for Women, chaired by Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al-Khalifa, Wife of HM the King, adding that the strenuous endeavor has paid off. He underlined the duties of the BJA board (2019-2021) to support responsible press liberties, enhance journalists’ awareness, about their rights and duties stipulated in the code of the press, stressing the importance of observing accuracy, integrity and objectivity in expressing opinions to to bolster the spirit of tolerance and promote the vital interests of the nation and citizens. The minister, also chairman of Bahrain Institute of Political Development (BIPD), stressed keenness on cooperation with the association to consolidate responsible press and media rights, hone the skills of national professional and technical cadres so as to bolster the role of national media, protect the homeland security and stability and strengthen sustainable development strides, under the reform project which was initiated by HM the King.