His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa has asserted that Bahrain should congratulate itself on its national press for the crucial role it is playing in enlightening the public opinion regarding local, regional and regional issues of common interest.

"We support the national media, and its freedom, and appreciate its keenness on highlighting the citizens’ issues, and investigating valuable information in its goals and content. This includes Al-Bilad newspaper which plays a great national role," he said.

Under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the kingdom has guaranteed all freedoms and paved the way for the "responsible word", which has created a fertile climate for the national press to reach an honourable level.

HRH Premier was speaking while receiving here today the Board of Directors of the Al-Bilad newspaper, led by Abdul-Nabi Al-Shoala, the executive and editorial managements, led by the newspaper’s CEO Ahmed Al-Bahar, Editor-in-Chief Moanis Al-Mardi, Managing Editor, Ayman Hammam, heads of departments.

The delegation also included journalist Sayed Ali, the winner of the Arab Journalism Award for "Investigative Reporting" granted to him at a ceremony held at the conclusion of the Arab Media Forum (AMF) 2018 in Dubai.

HRH the Prime Minister congratulated the Al-Bilad newspaper on winning the prestigious Arab Journalism Award, while the newspaper management and staff credited HRH Premier with the award, citing his constant support to Bahraini journalism, and keenness on putting in place all creativity and distinction requirements for newspapers in order to compete with major Arab newspapers.

HRH Premier stressed that the prestigious award reflects the distinguished level reached by Bahraini journalism, regionally and internationally.

The Prime Minister hailed the efforts exerted by the Bahrain Press to disseminate enlightening ideology, cope with the progress march and take interest in social issues, noting that it will always remain a source of pride and appreciation.

HRH Premier affirmed that the award conferred on the Al-Bilad newspaper is a source of pride for everyone, as it adds to the innumerable successes achieved by Bahrainis in various field, lauding the outstanding potentials and capabilities of Bahrainis, as well as the distinguished status and appreciation they enjoy regionally and internationally.

The Prime Minister lauded the crucial role played by the Al-Bilad newspaper and all its affiliates in enlightening the public opinion, serving society and highlighting the kingdom’s civilisational and bright image.

"Bahraini journalists assume great responsibilities and tasks, and we are proud of their continuous efforts to serve their country and society, and their appreciation and respect, which makes them winners and appreciated at every gathering and on various occasions," he said.

HRH Premier pointed out that the Bahraini Press boast many national competencies, journalists and columnists, who have reached high levels of professionalism and development in monitoring and analysis.

The Prime Minister affirmed the government's support for the press profession in undertaking its noble mission in serving the society, calling on all parties to show the necessary cooperation and responsiveness with the press in everything that may serve social issues and fulfill the aspirations of the citizens.

Al-Bilad newspaper board chairman extended, on behalf of the newspaper’s board, officials and staff, sincere thanks and appreciation for his unwavering interest in the Bahraini Press, valuing highly the Premier’s keenness on encouraging efforts to improve journalism in the kingdom, and supporting journalists to undertake their role of highlighting the pulse of society and its issues.

The Prime Minister’s constant support is in line with his belief in the importance of the influential and key role of the press and the media effective partners in enhancing the progress march and enlightening society.