Premier salutes the national press

Manama, May 1 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister of Bahrain has stressed that the challenges that face today's world’s in terms of security, economically and socially, need to be confronted to begin with by development of awareness and enlightening people on how to contribute in proposed solutions and options that would strengthen their homelands and help them overcome the obstacles that hinder their development marches. " That is one of the roles that has a profound impact and can be performed by the press so proficiently’, HRH said. HRH stressed that it was important that the noble message of journalism profession should be more focused on cementing and directing efforts and resources towards serving homeland through upholding ethics of journalism that are based on honesty and objectivity in the way various issues are presented and analyzed, and in adopting tolerance with differing views that serve the transformation process of society and the nation. He highlighted the role played by the conscious national press in the Kingdom of Bahrain since its inception saying that it has embodied force in society and a free platform for the expression of opinion and thought and addressing national issues responsibly. He said that the press has always been a partner in achieving national accomplishments through its enlightening role committed to free journalism values . "The Kingdom of Bahrain is keeping pace with the world’s political, economic, cultural and humanitarian progress, and it has succeeded in these various aspects and acquired many gains, which we will work to develop further for a life of freedom, progress and openness. " said HRH the premier in a message addressed to the world on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, which falls on Tuesday this year and is held under the slogan: "The right to access to information and fundamental freedoms .. This is your right" . He also asserted that the Kingdom of Bahrain, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, is witnessing a spacious atmosphere of freedom of opinion and expression guaranteed by the provisions of the Constitution and the Law. He said the Kingdom has ensured that all media platforms, both traditional and new ones remain open to free expression of opinion and discussing everything associated with public issues without restrictions.He called for keenness on enhancing unity and building a knowledgeable community that promotes peace and coexistence, and intimacy between individuals. He also asserted that freedom of opinion and expression in the Kingdom of Bahrain is guaranteed to all citizens without restrictions as long as it was within the framework of responsible freedom that does not threaten cohesion, security and stability of the society or undermine its institutions and individuals. "We live in a world of many challenges and we must all work to protect our homelands, use our press channels to cherish national loyalty and promote the development process." , the premier said. He added that the Bahraini press is characterized as having a long history that was established by successive generations of journalists who had a major influence by their writings in building an educated and interactive Bahraini society with all associated national issues. He called on the press to be closer to the citizens and to continue playing a constructive role in reflecting their aspirations and ambitions professionally, stressing that his doors are permanently open to the press to discuss everything that is related to public affairs in an atmosphere of freedom and openness. "The Kingdom of Bahrain is part of the world and therefore is affected by the surrounding challenges, and the responsibility of the Bahraini press is enormous at this stage in terms of focusing on everything that supports cohesion, national unity coexistence and brotherhood, which has characterized the people of Bahrain throughout its long history.", he said. "The bold and enlightened attitudes that were adopted by the press columnists and media channels at different circumstances experienced by Bahrain against those who wanted evil for Bahrain and its people have been appreciated by everyone." He expressed his pride in the Bahraini journalists who had set through their writings the finest examples of patriotism and defending homeland against all attempts of distortion and falsification, His Royal Highness said. "This has always been their attitude, and we are proud of what they put forward of ideas whose purpose is the progress of the nation .", he added. " We look forward to have the knowledge that would bring about an enlightened society in light of the global boom in terms of social media.", he said. In conclusion, His Royal Highness the Prime Minister praised the efforts undertaken by the "UNESCO" Organization that adopt the celebration of the World Press Freedom Day, wishing it and all of its staff further success in achieving their lofty goals.