HRH Premier to patronise Bahraini Press Day ceremony

Manama, May 17 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa will patronise a ceremony to honour the Press and media personnel on Tuesday, May 19. The kind gesture by HRH the Premier reflects his personal interest in the National Press, for whom a national day is allocated to pay tribute to its affiliates. The Bahraini Press Day was approved by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in line with his recognition and appreciation of the patriotic role played by the Press and media personnel, and keenness to support press and media work. The event, to be attended by key Press and media personnel from Bahrain and abroad, is one of the landmark achievements attained by the kingdom within HM the King's pioneering Democratic and Reform Project, which entitles Bahrain to be a role model in guaranteeing and respecting the freedoms of opinion and expression. HRH Premier's patronage of the honouring ceremony for the second year in a row proves his confidence in the National Press and appreciation of the role played by the successive generations of journalists as "soldiers in an honourable battle in which they defend the homeland". HRH the Prime Minister's keenness to share with journalists and media personnel their celebrations on their Day is a living proof of his support to their efforts to consolidate and deepen the freedoms of opinion, expression and publication, which is a catalyst for them to continue, as they have done throughout the kingdom's long history, defending hard-won national achievements and vital interests, and countering any attempt to undermine national security and stability, especially in light of the smear media campaigns targeting the kingdom. On many occasions, HRH the Prime Minister valued highly the journalistic work and its great impact in enlightening society and enhancing its progress through its keenness to submit proposals that meet the citizens' needs and ensure they receive the best services.