HRH Premier salutes press community; praises journalists’ keenness to preserve national gains

Manama, May 6 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa has stressed that the Bahraini press has been, throughout its long history, and is still, a major pillar and an influential element in the kingdom’s renaissance and development march. HRH Premier praised the national press’ rich record of giving, and the honourable legacy it has established through its commitment to the free and responsible word and enlightened opinion. The Prime Minister expressed his pride in the continuous progress the Bahraini press is witnessing, noting that "its honourable stances will remain engraved in the national memory." "The Bahraini press, through its columnists and journalists, has had an active and impartial contribution to serving the country and preserving its achievements," he said, saluting the press community and expressing appreciation to them. HRH Premier affirmed that during His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s prosperous era, Bahrain has fulfilled all the requirements of the modern state, foremost of which is its openness and freedom of expression, enabling the press to play its role in embodying the reality of society and preserving its gains. In a statement marking the Bahrain Press Day, which is celebrated on Thursday, May 7, the Prime Minister extended congratulations to the press and media personnel in the Kingdom. "It is a great occasion to express our great appreciation and gratitude to all members of the press and media community in the Kingdom for the renewed thought they give to enhance the knowledge and awareness space in our society," HRH Premier said. HRH the Prime Minister emphasised the prestigious position of the press and journalists, saying that "these distinguished beacons of opinion writers, columnists and journalists are a source of pride for the country and the press. What they are doing is a continuation of the efforts of the press personnel pioneers, who laid the foundation for journalism in Bahrain, and today, we are witnessing the continuation of this giving in the efforts of the new generation of journalists." HRH the Prime Minister reaffirmed that Bahrain's press boasts the tools of freedom, national values and responsibility, which makes it capable of protecting the gains of society and defending its achievements. "The Bahraini press succeeded in consolidating the values of objectivity and credibility, and established its leading position as a tool for enlightenment and a means for expressing the conscience of society," he said. The Prime Minister praised the distinguished achievements of the dedicated young Bahrainis on social networks, and the public national opinion they constitute in defending the nation's interests, unity and achievements. HRH Premier called on young journalists, media personnel and bloggers to adhere to the noble values of the profession of journalism regarding objectivity and credibility, and to put the interest of the nation above all considerations. "Our highly aware and responsible press has proven, through various historical phases, that it is capable of creating a stable national platform that raises public awareness and supports everything that preserves the security and stability of the country, being the tool that connects citizens and decision-makers," the Prime Minister added. HRH Premier expressed his admiration for the abundance of articles and topics characterised by in-depth analysis and reflecting the diversity of intellectual trends in the Bahraini press, which, he said, constitutes a true enrichment of the cultural and social scene in the Kingdom. The Premier described the Bahraini press as the reference that documents all phases of the country's renaissance and progress, and the living memory that monitors, preserves and records all success stories that Bahrain and its people have had through the years. HRH Premier recalled with great pride the giving and dedication of the first pioneers of journalists and media personnel, who had laid the foundations for the distinguished journalistic and media work that expressed the authentic Bahraini identity. HRH the Prime Minister commended the distinguished efforts exerted by the affiliates of the Ministry of Information Affairs, and those of the Bahraini Journalists’ Association (BJA) to improve media and journalistic work, as well as to prepare national media competencies who are capable of reaching the highest levels of creativity and excellence.