Responsible freedom of press pillar to democratic development

Manama, March 27 (BNA): Information Minister Ali bin Mohammed Al Rumaihi has stressed that responsible freedom of the press and media is the pillar of democratic development in the state of law and institutions. Speaking during a visit to Al Ayam newspaper today, he praised respect of political and civil rights and liberties in the prosperous reform era of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. He lauded contribution of the national press to enriching the intellectual and cultural movement and backing political and democratic reform by highlighting national issues and exercising the right of objective and constructive criticism. The Information Minister reviewed issues pertaining to the press and media field with Board Chairman of Al Ayam Press and Publishing institution Najib Yaqoob Al Hamer, Editor-in-Chief Isa Al Shaiji, Editing Director Jassim Mansour, Heads of departments, columnists and editors. He commended the capabilities of Al Ayam Media Centre and its outstanding technical equipment, underlining the institution's contributions to upgrading the press and publishing sector in Bahrain as well as organising cultural activities. He also pointed out availability of a favourable climate for the press to perform its national duty freely and independently according to the constitution and media charters and within the framework of intellectual pluralism and democratic openness. The Information Minister praised Bahraini competencies as well as the kingdom's modern and comprehensive Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure, stressing the key role of journalists in raising awareness of the need to preserve hard-won gains amid current security challenges. He also underscored their important role in disclosing news and information credibly and objectively as well as confronting calls to drive wedges and sow seeds of sectarian sedition. The Information Minister asserted the ongoing national efforts, in partnership with the local press and the civil society, in developing the media and telecommunication sector, grooming the national media cadres and stimulating their creativity to carry out their national duty in defending the nation's security and stability and projecting the royal reform achievements in Bahrain and abroad.