Bahrain’s His Majesty King Hamad reiterated full support to the rights of journalists and media personnel in performing their noble duty and expressing their opinions freely, independently and responsibly.

In a message marking World Press Freedom Day, His Majesty praised the key role of journalists and media figures in fostering patriotism and supporting reform and development plans, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

He added that directives had been given to set up a professional structure for media personnel that matches their vital role in enriching Bahrain's media progress, protecting national security, stability and integrity and consolidating hard-won achievements.

The King lauded efforts of the Information Ministry and Press and media institutions to keep abreast of modern technologies and co-operate with regional and international media. He underlined support to the Supreme Committee for Information and Communication Technology in performing its pivotal role to boost freedom, pluralism, independence and professional values.

He emphasised that since launching reforms, freedom of expression, including free and independent Press, has represented the core of democratic development within the framework of the rule of law, respect of human rights, justice and equality.

He said the media progress in Bahrain has witnessed a remarkable progress on comprehensive and developed bases that elevated Bahrain to an advanced international status in providing optimum and high-tech telecommunication services.

His Majesty asserted that freedom of Press is guaranteed by the constitution, pointing out the role of the judiciary and the National Institution for Human Rights in promoting justice and accountability for all. He added that legal rights and principles of justice place journalists before their national and moral responsibilities in backing civil peace, renouncing calls for sedition and hatred, raising public awareness and confronting fallacies and rumours.

He underscored the need to adhere to the principles of responsible freedom by taking into consideration accuracy, objectivity, honesty and high national interests. He urged the media to promote national reconciliation and unity.

The King hailed the efforts of Bahrain Journalists Association (BJA) and other media-related civil society institutions in bolstering the media momentum in Bahrain. He also paid tribute to Bahraini women who proved their special merit in the Press and media field by taking high-profile executive, administrative and media posts.

l Information Affairs Minister Isa Al Hammadi hailed His Majesty's support to the Press and media freedom.

He was speaking on the eve of the World Press Freedom Day, being held this year under the theme 'Let Journalism Thrive! Towards Better Reporting, Gender Equality, and Media Safety in the Digital Age'.

Parliament chairman Ahmed Al Mulla also congratulated Bahraini journalists on the World Press Freedom Day.

Meanwhile, BJA hailed Bahrain's Press freedom strides under the reform project launched by His Majesty.

The association reiterated its firm resolve to continue laying the foundations to protect the freedom of opinion and expression and stressed particularly Press liberty, in co-operation with official parties and civil society institutions. – TradeArabia News Service