MANAMA: Nothing can cause cracks in the ranks and file of the Bahraini community, thanks to genuine patriotism among the citizens.
“Crises have revealed the real mettle of the Bahraini people whose categorical rejection of terrorism has been resounding and effective,” His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa told the audience.
“Such commendable popular stances have rendered the tools of vandalism inactive and ineffective,” he also said, stressing that for every one who destroys, there are hundreds who strive to build the nation in order to earn it more achievements, and for everyone who tries to tarnish the image of his homeland, there are thousands of loyal citizens who dedicated themselves to defending it in every field.
He emphasised that Bahrain is in dire need for the concerted efforts of all its citizens to enhance its development process and preserve its hard-won milestone achievements, adding that the Kingdom is in the right path, and that the progress and modernisation march is going ahead unabated, within a comprehensive vision aiming to upgrade the living standards of the citizens in all sectors.
“As Bahrainis, we have every right to be proud of our people’s capability to overcome all challenges, and we have to carry on that march as our responsibilities are growing,” he said, adding that the Bahraini citizens have to face all situations with a clear resolve and cohesion, while preserving the genuine and authentic features that have always distinguished the Bahraini society.
The Prime Minister extended sincere thanks and appreciation to members of the press community for their patriotic stances in response to dissonant voices seeking to sow division among members of the one-family Bahraini society and pave the way for foreign sides to interfere into the kingdom’s internal affairs.
“They deserve all our love and appreciation,” he said, referring to Bahraini journalists.
He pointed out that His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s keynote address on the World Press Freedom Day confirmed HM’s appreciation of journalists and support for them in order to be able to assume their noble mission within decent living conditions that stimulate them to be more creative.
He lauded the Bahraini press’ exemplary patriotic commitment to expressing the aspirations of the Bahraini citizens, urging the press and media personnel to interact more with social issues.
“The effective weapons and positive contributions of the press should reflect positively on the nation’s progress and prosperity,” he said, reiterating the government’s support of the press and freedom of expression out of its belief in the crucial role it plays in enlightening the public opinion and motivating it to join the nation-building and progress efforts.
HRH Premier voiced the stances as he received at the Gudaibiya Palace some members of the Royal family and scores of citizens comprising clerics, intellectuals and press and media persons.
The Prime Minister stressed that unlike many other countries, including the democratically advanced ones, the kingdom has succeeded in dealing with major terrorist threats in a civilised way, and without affecting liberties or democratic practices.
He said that the success of the kingdom was the fruitful result of the joint efforts of governmental and non-governmental sides to take the initiative and highlight the reality of the situation, the kingdom’s bright image and national achievements in order to pull the rug from under the feet of some organisations which tackle the situation in Bahrain from a single angle, and therefore end up with reports that lack credibility and ethical basics, the required pillars of their work.
HRH Premier pointed out that troubles and chaos prevailing in some countries have fueled conflicts among members of the same country, urging caution of the chaos spreading in the region for the sake of bringing about devastation and destruction.
He highlighted the efforts exerted by the kingdom to extend bridges of cooperation with countries of the world, especially the economically and politically influential ones, which, he said, will attract more quality investments to the country and spur the national economy.
He lauded the hospitality and warm welcome accorded to His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, during his recent visit to Russia, which reflects the distinguished position the kingdom’s enjoys at the international area and proves big countries’ keenness on building strategic relations with Bahrain in order to serve their strategic interests.