HRH Premier lauds columnists' crucial role, patriotism

Manama, Aug. 11 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa received here today senior state officials, and discussed with them national issues, especially regarding the role played by the national Press in the kingdom’s political, economic and social fields. HRH the Prime Minister praised the crucial role of the national Press, and saluted columnists for their role in monitoring events and analysing them from a responsible and patriotic perspective. He praised their keenness to take the initiative and tackle local or regional issues that affect the nation without just stopping at making responses, which, he said, has made their voices heard and their opinions appreciated locally and regionally amid the opportunities offered by the information and communication technology (ICT). He extended special thanks to columnists for their role in making the local and international public opinion aware of the size of the lies and fallacies made against their nation credibly and objectively, without encroaching on the rights of anybody. He also praised their constant keenness to place the national interests above all intellectual, sectarian or political affiliations. The columnists’ patriotic stances towards various issues, particularly those related to Bahrain’s security, stability and belonging, are highly commended and a source of our pride, he said. HRH the Prime Minister paid tribute to the national Press community for their dedication in serving the nation sincerely and impartially. HRH Premier proudly affirmed that Bahrain’s national Press has reached an advanced stage of maturity, and therefore "we announce that is an essential partner in devising the government’s policies and enhancing the nation’s progress and development." "Thanks to the increasingly important role played by the national Press, we have issued directives to ministers and officials to open doors to the Press, and promptly respond to what is being raised regarding issues related to the citizens," he said, stressing his personal follow-up on what is written in Bahraini newspapers and the extent of the interaction of ministers and officials with it on a daily basis."