Information Minister visits Al-Bilad newspaper

Manama, April 6 (BNA): Information Minister Ali bin Mohammed Al Rumaihi underlined the government's keenness to provide the information and telecommunication sector with an advanced legislative and organisational system based on the principles of responsible freedom, credibility, transparency, accuracy, objectivity, partnership with the local press and openness on regional and international media institutions. He was speaking during a visit today to Al-Bilad newspaper where he met with Board Chairman Abdul Nabi Al Shola, Editor-in-Chief Mones Al Mardi, Editing Director Ahmed Ibrahim, Heads of departments, columnists and editors. The Information Minister lauded the positive climate of freedom of expression in Bahrain, pointing out democratic, human rights, economic and technical achievements brought about in the prosperous era of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. He stressed the government's keenness to boost press and media freedom and promote communication between officials and journalists within the framework of openness and cooperation to serve the supreme national interest. He also pointed out the diversity of peaceful and civilisational channels to express opinions freely and according to constitutional and legal frameworks. He affirmed that patriotism, within the framework of democratic and media openness, is not resonant slogans but stances showing loyalty to the nation and leadership, respect of the constitutional and legal legitimacy and commitment to professional ethics to maintain national security, boost achievements and confront attempts to tarnish national accomplishments inside and outside Bahrain. The Information Minister asserted the key role played by committed journalists and media persons in preserving national security and stability, civil peace and achievements by promoting national unity, renouncing discourse inciting sectarian sedition, religious hatred and discrimination as well as raising citizens' awareness of destructive rumours and fallacies. He underscored the pivotal role of responsible press in promoting the culture of peace, tolerance and co-existence among all social components, boosting the culture of dialogue, renouncing all forms of violence, extremism and terrorism, projecting Bahrain's development and civilisational accomplishments and confronting hostile and defamatory campaigns.