HM King Hamad’s royal message on World Press Freedom Day praised by key government officials

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa received messages of congratulations following his statement on World Press Freedom Day, which was observed yesterday.

Key government officials thanked HM the King for his unwavering support to the press and media community in Bahrain. They said that the keynote annual royal message on the World Press Freedom Day, which is observed globally on May 3, reflects His Majesty’s belief in the freedom of opinion and appreciation for press personnel.

National responsibilities

Information Affairs Minister Ali bin Mohammed Al Romaihi highlighted HM King Hamad’s pride in the performance of the national press and media as a catalyst for continuing to assume national responsibilities.

He indicated that HM the King’s directives have contributed to increasing the achievements of the press and media institutions in the kingdom, as they motivated them to attain more successes, and maintain their leading role, as well as making responsible freedom of speech as one of the distinctive features of the development march.

Al Romaihi congratulated the press and media community in the kingdom on this important day, wishing them more achievements.

Freedom of opinion

Shura Council Chairman Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh said that HM the King’s comprehensive development march has consolidated the bases and principles of the freedom of opinion and expression, and paved the way for the local press to contribute to various development fields effectively and positively.

He also praised HM the King’s sound visions that have made press freedom an integral part of the kingdom’s democratic march, which is laden with achievements and successes. The Shura Chairman noted that HM the King’s keynote message contained all-inclusive noble visions and aspirations towards national press and media, in a way that would enable them to continue playing their role in supporting the kingdom’s progress march, under his leadership.

He added that with its free and responsible role, the national press is an essential partner in highlighting the landmark achievements attained thanks to the continued efforts of the government, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

He commended the distinguished performance of the national press, and the efforts exerted by the Information Affairs Ministry, journalists, media personnel and columnists to enhance the role of the press and confirm its enlightening role in spreading social awareness and giving priority to top national interests through responsible word and constructive media message.

Al Saleh praised the advanced media initiatives and programmes adopted by local newspapers, and their keenness to take advantage of digital means to support press work. He noted that the local newspapers’ success in meeting the requirements of technological and digital development reflects the competence and creativity of Bahrain’s press and media personnel.

The Chairman expressed pride in the Bahraini press, and the national responsibilities it is undertaking, praising its constant support for the work of the legislative branch.

Press freedom supporter

Council of Representatives Speaker Fawzia bint Abdulla Zainal affirmed that HM King Hamad is the primary supporter of the freedom of opinion and expression as well as the press and the media in Bahrain.

She noted that the landmark achievements attained by the kingdom under HM the King’s reform project and comprehensive development process prove the royal support for responsible freedom of opinion and expression and the enlightening role of the press in building the nation and effective partnership in all national projects, initiatives and programmes.

Speaker Zainal added that HM the King’s keynote message has consolidated the principles and values of responsible press and media. She noted the royal praise of the national press and media institutions, as well as their personnel is a badge of honour and a catalyst for carrying efforts to achieve the aspirations of the nation and the citizens, placing the top national interests above the priorities of the press and media work.

Speaker Zainal indicated that HM the King’s praise of the role played by the national press and media in confronting the COVID-19 pandemic, accelerating the pace of recovery at all levels and contributing to achieving national development goals, set by the government, led by HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, will motivate everyone to double their efforts to serve the nation, within Team Bahrain, especially in consolidating national identity and human values, according to a professional press method and advanced digital approaches.

The Speaker stressed that HM the King’s unwavering support for meeting the aspirations of the press and media community in keeping pace with the continuous developments witnessed by the press and media sector in accordance with modern changes and media trends, will contribute to further developing the press and media work, which confirms the priority given by HM the King to supporting the press and media outlets to perform their enlightening role.