Information Minister: Bahrain model of reforms, freedoms

St. Petersburg, June 20 (BNA): Information Affairs Minister Isa bin Abdulrahman Al Hammadi has affirmed that Bahrain is a leading model in political and democratic reforms, and respect for human rights and political, civil, economic and media freedoms thanks to the comprehensive Reform Project spearheaded by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The minister made the statements to Russian and world media outlets on the sidelines of the participation of the Bahraini delegation, 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 the Russian President Vladimir Putin. Bahrain started its reform experience ten years before 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 thanks to its ideal legislative and regulatory environment that attracts foreign capitals, 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 and developments in the kingdom and the region. One of those interviews was with presenter Salam Musafer, and will be aired on Russia Today Channel on Monday. 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, expressing the kingdom's readiness to provide it with all facilities, as the best means to activate its agreement with the Bahrain News Agency (BNA), on the one hand, and bolster 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.