Bahrain a role model in reforms, says minister

St. Petersburg

Information Affairs Minister Isa bin Abdulrahman Al Hammadi confirmed Bahrain is a leading model in political and democratic reforms.

It respects human rights and political, civil, economic and media freedom, thanks to the comprehensive Reform Project spearheaded by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, he said.

 The minister made the statements to the world media on the sidelines of the Bahraini delegation’s participation, led by Deputy Premier Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, in the 19th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), held here from June 18 to 20, in the presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

 Bahrain started its reform activities ten years prior to the so-called "Arab Spring", which, in reality, should have been called the devastating hurricane that impeded countries' progress and subverted their stability, he said.

 Since 2001, the Kingdom achieved unprecedented political and human rights reforms within the state of law and institutions, held four consecutive parliamentary elections and maintained its outstanding status as a role model of economic freedom, he added.

 The minister also held meetings with the heads and directors of Russian and world media establishments participating in SPIEF, and discussed with them ways to enhance media cooperation and exchange of information and expertise.

 Participating in a number of programmes and talk shows on Russian TV channels, Al Hammadi shed light on the reality of the political, human rights and security situation in the kingdom and the region.

 The minister also held talks with the Itar-Tass Russian News Agency Director-General, and Organisation of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA) President Sergei Mikhailov, and discussed with him the importance of opening an Itar-Tass Office in Bahrain.

 He expressed the Kingdom's readiness to provide it with all facilities to activate its agreement with the Bahrain News Agency (BNA) and to boost relations between the two friendly countries.

 The minister also discussed with the Russian side the preparation of joint promotional TV and media programmes to inform the friendly Russian people about Bahrain's political, economic, cultural and media progress, as well as huge tourism and investment potentials.