HRH Premier calls for journalists' unity

Manama, Apr. 24 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa has called on the Press community to join ranks, strengthen their cohesion and adapt to differences in points of view, which will benefit and develop press and media work. HRH Premier made the remarks while receiving at the Gudaibiya Palace today a number of press, intellectual and media persons, and the board of the Bahraini Journalists Trade Union. HRH Premier affirmed that the Bahraini national press has enlightened the Bahraini society and contributed effectively to supporting nation-building and development efforts made by the kingdom in various fields, stressing the need to unify stances among the components of press and media work. "There should be no room for differences among the pillars of national action amid the multiple challenges we are currently facing," he told the audience. "What is important today is to maintain the strength and cohesion of the Press sector," he said, stressing the need to rally being the ultimate goal of achieving the noble press mission. HRH Premier affirmed that the multiplicity of institutions that support press rights is a "healthy" matter as long as all efforts focus on achieving more gains and stability for the press and media personnel. The Prime Minister urged journalists and columnists to refrain from using the press to sow divide among the members of society, in light of the growing influence of social media, calling for the need to adapt modern technology in communication. HRH Premier expressed sincere appreciation and pride in the enlightening role played by press and media persons, lauding the advanced level of the Bahraini press and their articles that include opinions and analyses of various national issues. He urged to avail of the freedom atmosphere prevailing in the kingdom to discuss issues that foster the Bahraini people's unity. Bahraini Journalists Trade Union President Tariq Al-Amer extended utmost thanks and appreciation to HRH Premier for his unwavering support to the Press, keenness to boost freedom of express and constant call to assess the government's work from a patriotic perspective aiming to enhance development and progress. Deputy President of the Bahraini Journalists Trade Union, Sayed Zahra, affirmed that HRH Premier has provided an atmosphere that stimulates journalists and encourages them to exert more efforts.