Manama: Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the King Hamad Global Center for Coexistence and Tolerance (KHGC), emphasized the pivotal role of responsible journalism and media in promoting coexistence and national and humanitarian values. This aligns with the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla made these remarks on Bahrain Press Day, where he praised the Bahraini media for its professional legacy and its role in raising public awareness, fostering national responsibility and citizenship, and showcasing Bahrain's model of pluralism, openness, and respect for religious and cultural diversity. He acknowledged the media's support in maintaining social cohesion during various challenges.
Dr. Shaikh Abdulla also referenced His Majesty's statement on World Press Freedom Day, highlighting His Majesty King Hamad's emphasis on Bahrain's national unity among different religious and belief systems in both prosperous and challenging times. He praised the national media's balanced and responsible role as a defense against Iranian attacks targeting the Kingdom and other Gulf and Arab states.
He further elaborated on the need for the press and media institutions to enhance their role through accurate and objective reporting, countering hate speech and misinformation across media and digital platforms, and promoting content that encourages respect and tolerance. Dr. Shaikh Abdulla stressed the importance of reinforcing Bahrain's national identity, loyalty, and belonging, in line with the royal vision of coexistence, dialogue, and human understanding among different religions and cultures.
Dr. Shaikh Abdulla affirmed the KHGC's commitment to continuing its scientific, academic, and awareness initiatives in partnership with responsible media. These efforts aim to promote coexistence, tolerance, loyalty, and national belonging. He concluded by congratulating the press and media community on Bahrain Press Day and expressing gratitude for their contributions to the Kingdom's unity, stability, and prosperity.