Information Affairs Minister Isa bin Abdulrahman Al-Hamadi today stressed resolve to strengthen cooperation and partnership with the press so as to enhance the media sector on the bases of freedom, credibility and responsibility in line with His Majesty the King's reforms.
The Minister, who was meeting Bahrain Journalists Association (BJA) Chairman Moa'ness Al-Mardi and board members at the BJA headquarters, underscored the crucial importance of developing the media sector in order to keep pace with the global trends and adhere to the international rights standards.
He pointed out the national responsibility of the association in bringing together the press community, embodying their aspirations and disseminating awareness and underlined BJA's pivotal role in highlighting the role of the press in enlightening public opinion, promoting truths, cementing national unity, protecting civil and social peace and staving off the advocates of divisions, hatred and enmity.
The Minister stressed the importance of drawing up efficient plans and programmes to hone the skills of the national press and media personnel whom he described as the cornerstone to enhance the standard of Bahraini media in the regional and international arenas.
In a statement on the sidelines of the visit, the Minister stressed keenness on holding periodic meetings with the association and the media figures in order to discuss their problems, views and approach to media development. He stressed his open-door policy, which stems from the firm belief in the vital role of the media in protecting national security and stability, consolidating democratic practices and preserving hard-won achievements.
"The promulgation of a modern press law and the implementation of a housing project for journalists emanate from royal directives so that they could perform their duty freely, objectively and independently", he said.
Al-Mardi thanked the Minister for the visit, hailing his keenness on meeting representatives of Bahrain press community to exchange views and proposals on enhancing the standard of the media.