HRH Premier salutes journalists; stresses government’s keenness to respond positively to what they raise

Manama, May 1 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa has stressed the importance of the press in enriching the lives of peoples with knowledge and awareness. "The press, with its strong and effective role in shaping and directing the public opinion, has a great responsibility in stimulating common energies to participate in making the present and the future," the premier said. HRH the Prime Minister affirmed that the press is a supportive element for all issues of society, for its distinguished role in stimulating the spirit of work and adopting visions that keep pace with modern developments and meet their requirements. HRH Premier emphasised that amid the current circumstances resulting from the outbreak of the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, the world is in dire need for the responsible word that creates hope and reassures everyone. "It is with hope and action that humankind can overcome all challenges," the Premier said. The Prime Minister praised the pioneering role played by the press and media personnel in the Kingdom, in particular, and the whole world, in general, to raise awareness and support the efforts of medical and nursing staff in addressing the pandemic, reflecting the value and impact of the noble mission of journalism. HRH Premier indicated that the wide range of freedom and excellence achieved by the Bahraini press are the fruitful outcome of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s vision, and keenness to promote press and media freedom and encourage them in a way that supports the development and progress efforts witnessed by Bahrain during his prosperous era. In a message to the world marking the World Press Freedom Day, which is observed all over the world on Sunday, May 3, under the theme of “Journalism without Fear or Favour,” the Prime Minister said that the importance of this year’s celebration stems from the current conditions created by the Coronavirus pandemic, which poses great challenges at the global level. The Prime Minister pointed out that this pandemic and the cruel human experience resulting from it have created a new reality at the comprehensive human level, as well as a level of experience that will have a profound impact in the future, as it will enrich life in various types of knowledge and lifestyles. HRH Premier added: "The press, while dealing with this global crisis, has showcased the highest values of the human conscience, which call for cooperation and integration among peoples in facing all the challenges that pose a threat to the present and future of human life." "We seize this occasion to salute the press and media personnel and columnists, and to reaffirm the importance of the press and the need to preserve everything that enables it to fulfill its noble mission in an atmosphere of freedom and openness that enhances its role as an important tool in expressing the pulse of societies and major human issues," he said. HRH Premier stressed that the traditional press, despite the challenges it is facing in light of the rapid spread of the new media, remains the icon that inspired all this diverse range of social media platforms, which created an advanced knowledge reality and crossed countries’ borders in form and content." "In the midst of the great number of social media platforms in their various forms and names, we look forward to the value of the media content they disseminate so that they contribute to building a knowledge-based society. Credible information contributes to developing the awareness of the individual and society alike," he said. HRH the Prime Minister affirmed that the press in the Kingdom continues to stand at the front line, with its honest word, as well as credible and reliable information that contribute to raising the awareness of the public opinion. HRH Premier expressed the Kingdom’s pride in its journalistic and media competencies, who have managed, over decades, to lay the foundations for a pure Bahraini journalistic school that reflects the authentic Bahraini identity and supports the cohesion of society and national unity. The Prime Minister praised the remarkable outstanding patriotic performance of Bahraini journalists and columnists in defending the issues of the homeland and citizens, and confronting them with all honesty and sincerity against all those seeking to undermine national security and stability. HRH the Prime Minister underlined the confidence of the Bahraini society in the press role as a supportive element of the government’s development efforts, affirming the government’s keenness to respond quickly and constructively to all issues it raises concerning the country and the citizen. HRH Premier expressed his appreciation for the outstanding contribution made by the Bahrain Journalists’ Association (BJA), hailing its efforts to enhance the status of the press and preserve the rights of journalists in a way that helps them achieve more creativity. HRH the Prime Minister praised the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), and the noble humanitarian message that it is seeking to achieve to enhance understanding and rapprochement among different civilisations and cultures.