His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa of Bahrain will patronise a ceremony to honour the Press and media personnel tomorrow (May 19).

The gesture by the Premier reflects his personal interest in the national Press, for whom a national day is allocated to pay tribute to its affiliates, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

The Bahraini Press Day was approved by His Majesty King Hamad in line with his recognition and appreciation of the patriotic role played by the Press and media personnel, and keenness to support their 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 His Majesty's pioneering Democratic and Reform Project, which entitles Bahrain to be a role model in guaranteeing and respecting the freedoms of opinion and expression.

The Premier's patronage of the 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.”

His keenness to share with journalists and media personnel their celebrations on their day is a proof of his support to their efforts to consolidate and deepen the freedoms of opinion, expression and publication.

This is a catalyst for them to continue, as they have done throughout the kingdom's long history, defending national achievements and interests, and countering attempts to undermine national security and stability, especially in light of smear campaigns targeting Bahrain.

On many occasions, the Premier valued highly 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. - TradeArabia News Service