Bahraini media actively engaged in advocating Arab nation causes: Journalists

Manama, Journalists considered that the coinciding of holding the Arab Summit in Bahrain with the selection of Manama as a capital of Arab media this year highlighted the active role of Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, with the support and follow up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in advancing joint Arab action across various domains. In statements to the Bahrain News Agency (BNA), they said that Bahrain has succeeded in supporting the role of media diplomacy within the framework of cross-sector development that it has witnessed, which boosted its regional and international presence. Mahameed Al Mahameed said that the vision of HM the King, with the support up of HRH Crown Prince and Prime Minister, has established the concept of media diplomacy, in parallel with the Arab and international role of Bahraini diplomacy. He added that this reflected the ongoing progress of Bahraini media. He emphasised that th e Kingdom's hosting of the Arab Summit and the designation of Manama as the capital of Arab media this year underscore the outcomes of Bahraini policy, as well as its esteemed Arab status and the trust it has gained. This is particularly significant in light of the ongoing developments in the region, particularly in Palestine, Al Mahmeed said. "Bahrain's diplomatic and media contributions in supporting joint Arab action bear positive implications for the Kingdom," he noted. "Bahrain's policy and diplomacy are characterised by moderation and balance, which is reflected in the approach of the Bahraini national media." Hal Mahmmed added that Bahrain's hosting of the upcoming Arab Summit underscores the support of HM the king for joint Arab action and fostering Arab unity and solidarity to address prevailing regional and international challenges. Fatima Al Siddiqi said that Bahrain's hosting of the Arab Summit, underscores Bahrain's active role in joint Arab action. She noted that the Arab Summit coinciding with the designation of Manama as the capital of Arab media this year demonstrates the Arab media's confidence in the Kingdom and is a recognition of its cultural status. Al Siddiqi commended the efforts of the Ministry of Information in supporting the responsible role of media in serving the interests of the country and society, and in advocating for the causes of the Arab nation and humanity. Anas Al Aghbash, head of the editorial desk at Al Watan Newspaper, emphasised that Bahrain has consolidated its leading position locally and internationally in the field of media. This was further reinforced by the Council of Arab Information Ministers selecting Manama as the capital of Arab media for 2024, coinciding with Bahrain's hosting of the 33rd Arab Summit. This recognition highlights the responsibility of the media in providing a thorough coverage of the summit, he said. Al Aghbash said that hosting the Arab Summit in Bahrain reflects the Kingdom's commitment, under the leadership of HM the King, along wi th the support of HRH Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to supporting and prioritising the progress of joint Arab action. He emphasised that the kingdom's accomplishments in the development of the media and communication sectors are directly attributed to the support of HM the King. He noted that this royal support has empowered it for fulfill its role in an open environment of responsible freedom. Al Aghbash further highlighted the significance of the Arab Summit in Bahrain, noting that it comes at a time when the Kingdom has gained recognition as a role model in promoting the values of tolerance, peace and coexistence Kholoud Al Anezi, head of the Kuwait News Agency's office in Bahrain, confirmed that the designation of Manama as the Arab media capital for 2024 signifies Bahrain's remarkable progress in its media landscape. Alanzi said that the Kingdom has made significant advancements in transitioning its media system from traditional approaches to a more active approach in addressing key issues. "This progress reflects the Gulf media's dedication in this regard and underscores the unified stance on important matters on the regional and international stage," she said. She added, "Bahrain sets a role model through the designation of Manama as the capital of Arab Media 2024. This is further emphasised by hosting the Arab Summit in Bahrain, particularly during exceptional circumstances, which reaffirms the kingdom's commitment and dedication to supporting the progress of Arab action." Journalist Zahra Habib, Chairperson of the Bahrain Journalist Association's Freedoms Committee, said that the selection of Manama as the capital of Arab media sheds light on the accomplishments of Bahraini media. She highlighted Bahrain's commitment to providing all the necessary elements and resources to contribute to the progress of the media sector in the Kingdom. She added that Bahrain's press and media foster an environment supportive of creativity and innovation, given the freedom of opinion and expression ensured by la w and the Constitution. Habib noted that Bahrain's hosting of the upcoming Arab Summit is a significant event that further emphasises the Kingdom's commitment to supporting and promoting Arab solidarity, as well as defending pressing and just Arab causes.