The Press for ‘free and honest word’

Manama : Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa yesterday saluted the Press, highlighting the importance of “free and honest word” in developing the present and building the future.

Emphasising the importance of the Press in shaping public opinion, he said, “The fourth estate has a crucial role in building nations and supporting sustainable development.”

In a keynote message on the World Press Freedom Day, which falls on May 3, HRH the Premier paid tribute to the fourth estate and the media which, according to him, elevates society, supports development, enlightens minds, elicits creativity and innovation promote social cohesion and consolidates national security and stability. 

The 2017 World Press Freedom Day is being held this year under the theme ‘Critical Minds for Critical Times: Media’s Role in Advancing Peaceful, Just and Inclusive Societies’.

The Premier saluted Bahraini journalists, commending their dedicated role to project to the world the true image of their homeland, as a pioneering country on the level of freedom and development.

Prince Khalifa hailed the national press strides, hailing the Royal care of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, who supports media freedom and believes firmly in the importance of the “influential word” in protecting the country’s security and stability.

“Freedom of opinion and expression is enshrined in the constitution which allows journalists to express their views without affecting national unity or social cohesion,” the Premier said.

Speaking about social media, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of benefiting from it, to spread information that serves societies and enhances their development, instead of utilising them to destabilise nations.

Prince Khalifa urged the young generation to arm itself with a wealth of knowledge and benefit fully from technological strides.

HRH the Premier commended the role of The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation in consolidating press and media liberties in the world and advocating cultural and human rapprochement for the good of human beings.