Information Affairs Minister Ali bin Mohammed Al
Romaihi has extended sincere congratulations to press and media personnel
on the World Press Freedom Day. He took pride in the national press as an
essential partner in the comprehensive development march, preserving the
national entity and defending the development gains attained during the
prosperous era of HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
The minister said the Kingdom of Bahrain participates the international press
community and UNESCO in celebrating the World Press Day 2017 titled
(Critical Minds for Critical Times: Media’s role in advancing peaceful, just and
inclusive societies). He noted the ongoing national achievements and
developments that reflect the progress of press and media freedoms as they
are the core of democratic and human rights developments, within the
framework of the respect for freedom of opinion and expression and ensuring
the right to access to information and circulating it in accordance with the
constitution and national legislation.
Al Romaihi pointed out the progress seen by the national media and its
educational and awareness‑raising role, as well as its role in promoting
sustainable development and disseminating values of tolerance and
moderation in light of the rise of the number of local and imported daily
newspapers and publication.
He said the new media draft law is more advanced than the current press
law, for it supports responsible freedoms and keeps abreast of the latest
media development.
He affirmed to constantly follow up the implementation of the royal directives
on media cadre and journalists’ housing project to contribute to improve their
living and working conditions so as to play their role in defending the national
security and development achievements.
He paid tribute to the national media cadres’ efforts, noting the completion of
the housing project for more than 95% of the ministry’s employees.
He highlighted the ministry’s keenness to prepare and rehabilitate national
technical and media cadres through holding training courses and workshops
in collaboration with leading national and international media and academic
institutions.
He said the ministry has signed a cooperation agreement with Tamkeen to
implement a professional training programme to qualify a 100 young Bahraini
university graduates of both genders in the field of press and media prior to
engaging them in the labour market.
He noted the many electronic challenges faced by the Ministry of Information
Affairs and the media campaigns carried out by foreign organisations
targeting damaging the national achievements, security and stability, as well
as sowing discord and sectarianism.
He stressed to continue upgrading the national media and the implementation
of programmes and initiatives aimed at promoting press and media, including
the modernization of information and communication infrastructure.
He emphasized commitment of visual, audio and video media to professional
and ethical standards in conformity with the constitution, national media laws
and international charters.
He underlined resolve to reinforce government‑private partnership to develop
media and communication sector and boost investment to diversify sources of
national income in line with Bahrain Economic Visio 2030.
He pointed out the role of the National Communication Center in unifying the
government media vision and establishing communication with local and
international media.
He asserted the ministry’s keenness on strengthening partnerships with Arab
and friendly countries, chiefly the Gulf countries, to enhance the media role in
protecting Gulf and Arab national security, coordinating stances in
international forums and concerted national and international efforts to
disseminate values of tolerance, peace and dialogue among civilizations,
cultures and religions, as well as preventing media from inciting violence,
sowing sectarianism or racial hatred, affronting religions or beliefs of others
and damaging public order.
The ministry, on behalf of journalists and media personnel, concluded by
extending utmost gratitude to HM the King, the government led by HRH
Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, and HRH Prince Salman
bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First
Deputy Prime Minister, for their constant support for promoting press and of
media freedoms, and appreciating their national duties.
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