HRH Premier honours 'Khalifa bin Salman Press Award' winners

Manama, May 2 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa has saluted the efforts and giving of the Bahraini Press personnel, praising their enlightening creativity for the sake of the nation’s progress through adherence to responsible "Word" and recognition of its deep influence in the life of nations and peoples. HRH Premier asserted that the Bahraini Press, thanks to its creative competencies, has succeeded in holding a distinguished place on the map of the outstanding press work in the region, based on its professionalism and objectivity. Journalist in Bahrain enjoy a distinguished position and receive all kinds of appreciation for their dedication and patriotism, lauding the contributions of the press and media personnel and their honourable achievements at the regional and global gatherings, which enhanced the reputation and status of the national Press. "Honouring creative journalists and columnists reflects our appreciation for their renewed contribution to serving the nation, and our pride in their excellence and commitment to the noble mission of the press profession and its enlightening role," HRH Premier said. HRH Premier stressed that marking the Bahrain Press Day on a yearly basis provides an opportunity to celebrate the giving of the deep-rooted Bahrain journalism, noting that the honouring is important in stimulating creativity and encouraging the new generations of journalists to exert more efforts towards developing the National Press further. The Prime Minister made the statements while patronising and attending the ceremony organised by the Information Affairs Ministry at the Rtiz Hotel marking the Bahrain Press Day. The grand ceremony featured the honouring of the winners of the third edition of the "Khalifa bin Salman Press Award. HRH Premier congratulated the laureates, lauding the advanced level of the patricipating works of all the nominees for the prestigious award. This, he said, reflects the professionalism of the Bahraini Press, wishing Bahraini journalists and media personnel further success. HRH the Prime Minister welcomed the choice of the Saudi Press as the Guest of Honour of the ceremony, thus embodying the fraternal ties binding the two countries and their peoples, as well as the key role played by the Press in extending bridges of cultural and civilisational communciation and strengthening the pillars of intellectual rapprochement between the two brotherly peoples. HRH Premier highlighted the Saudi Press’ competence, professionalism and objective approach in tackling issues, stressing that the participation of the Saudi Press in the ceremony to honour its Bahraini counterpart is an opportunity to shed light on the importance of consolidating cooperation in the press and media field among countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). HRH Premier lauded the pioneering role of the Bahraini press in enhancing the awareness and culture of society, affirming that it has been, thanks to its enlightening role, a major supporter to the government in its efforts to advance society and continue the development and progress march. The progress currently witnessed by the Bahrain Press reflects the dynamism, vitality and civilisation of the Bahraini society in light of the freedom and openness atmosphere guaranteed thanks to the keen interest of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in ensuring the freedom of opinion and expression within the provisions of the Constitution and the Law. "We have a high regard for the press and media personnel, as they are opinion leaders and pillars of thought. They enjoy a high esteem in society and in my heart personally," the Prime Minister said. The national "pens" have proven the influential role of the "word" in raising awareness, clarifying facts and refuting fallacies, under all circumstances, he said, noting that the national memory will always recall with appreciation and gratitude the bright stances of the National Press in the face of smear and distortion campaigns staged against the kingdom, and their prominent role in defending the nation against all threats. HRH Premier recalled with appreciation and pride the contributions of the national Press pioneers who, he said, laid foundations of professional journalism and consolidate the principles and values which have contributed to building a highly aware generation of journalists who are capable of preserving and promoting the noble mission and values of the Press. HRH the Prime Minister commended the efforts exerted by the Information Affairs Ministry throughout the various stages of the "Khalifa bin Salman Press Award", as well as the award-distribution ceremony, praising the efforts of the jury in assessing the participating works and selecting the winners. The Prime Minister called on journalists to carry on their enlightening creativity in serving the nation and holding to the "Word" with deep impact in directing national action in order to enhance Bahrain’s status at various international gatherings. Earlier, Information Affairs Minister, Ali bin Mohammed Al-Romaihi, in a speech, extended deepest thanks and gratitude to HRH the Prime Minister for patronising the third edition of the "Khalifa bin Salman Press Award", which coincides with the Bahrain Press Day and the World Press Freedom Day. "Thanks to the leadership of HM King Hamad, support of HRH the Prime Minister and backing of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier, Bahrain is on the right path towards attaining more development and civilisational accomplishment," he minister said. He voiced the press and media community's pride in the prestigious award carrying HRH the Premier's name, noting that the award proves the Premier’s unlimited support for free and responsible press that copes with the comprehensive and continuous development achievements attained during HM the King’s prosperous era. Al-Romaihi stressed that the meeting with HRH Premier will remain engraved in the memory of the national Press, noting that the Prime Minister’s honouring of journalists is a badge of honour on their chests. He praised the Premier’s directives to him personally and all ministers to cooperate with journalists and respond to their inquiries, which, he said, reflects the Prime Minister’s strong belief in the importance of the Press in pushing the development process forward. The minister stressed that the choice of Saudi Arabia to be the Guest of Honour of this year’s edition of the award embodies the depth of the long-standing solid bilateral relations, praising the firm honourable stances of Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, in support of Bahrain’s security, stability and development process. After that, Khalid Al-Malik, the Editor-in-Chief of the Saudi "Al-Jazirah" newspaper, Chairman of the Saudi Journalists Commission, and Chairman of the Arabian Gulf Journalists Union, delivered a speech in which he lauded the freedom of opinion and expression enjoyed by the Bahraini Press since HM King Hamad’s Accession to the Throne. He stressed that the "Khalifa bin Salman Press Award" reflects HRH Premier’s interest in the press, noting that he is the permanent supporter for the Press and journalists in Bahrain so as to reach the highest levels and GCC and Arab levels. He affirmed that Bahrain was among the first GCC countries to have issued newspapers, embraced key journalists and encouraged opinions and counter-opinions. He lauded the efforts exerted by the Information Affairs Ministry to encourage the National Press to serve the citizens in a constructive way. Head of the jury of the "Khalifa bin Salman Press Award" and the Bahrain Journalists Association (BJA) Chairman Moanes Al-Mardi, extended sincere thanks and appreciation to HRH the Prime Minister for patronising the prestigious award, noting that the Premier’s kind gesture reflects his strong support for the Press and media, and his keenness to ensure that they carry out their mission to the fullest. He affirmed that the "Khalifa bin Salman Press Award" will remain the most cherished as it carries a dear name who is loved by all Bahraini citizens, including journalists, highlighting the Premier’s decades-long endeavours to enhance Bahrain’s development and progress. Bahrain is making steadfast development strides under HM the King’s leadership, and thanks to the support of HRH Premier and backing of HRH the Crown Prince, he said. He voiced the press and media community’s deep pride in HRH the Prime Minister’s interest in the press and journalists, and constant keenness to keep all bridges of communication with them open. A short film highlighting HRH Premier's support to the press and media community, as well as his unwavering interest in supporting the role of the press in pushing comprehensive development efforts forward, was screened. Then, HRH the Prime Minister honoured the winners of the third edition of the "Khalifa bin Salman Press Award". They are Alawi Al-Musawi from "Al-Bilad" newspaper for the "Best Investigative Report", Ahmed Kareem, from "Al-Bilad" newspaper for the "Best Column", Hala Kamal from "Akhbar Al-Khaleej" newspaper for the "Best Press Interview", and "Layalina" magazine for the "Best Press Photo". The press and media personnel extended sincere thanks and appreciation to HRH the Prime Minister for honouring them, stressing the role of the "Khalifa bin Salman Press Award" in motivating them and fostering creativity.