Information Affairs Authority President Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa received the banner of “Manama Capital of Arab Press 2012” as he received the Arab Youth Media Forum’s ambassador Haitham Yussef and ambassador of the Arabian Gulf Arab Youth Media Forum Khalid Abu Shiba.
Shaikh Fawaz hailed choosing Manama the capital of Arab press as well as the kingdom’s hosting of the 4th session of the Arab Youth Media Forum on February 28 and 29, lauding the different issues that will be debated.
He said this choice is the result of the freedom of press enjoyed by Bahrain thanks to the reform project of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa as well as IAA attraction of Arab and international media institutions to operate from Bahrain.
He pointed out that HM the King asserted on many occasions that no journalist will be imprisoned nor will any newspaper or media establishment be closed. Besides, approving a modern press and publication law, Shaikh Fawaz added, reflects HM the King’s full support to Bahrain’s press as well as its national and development role.
“The leadership has always been keen to stress the role of the press in social development, being the mirror that reflects the true image of what is going on and citizens’ aspirations. It is the linking ring between the government and the people,” he said.
The Arab Youth Media Forum Secretary General Haitham Yussef expressed delight at declaring “Manama Capital of Arab Press 2012” praising the kingdom’s pioneering initiatives to support journalism and raise the cap of press freedom.
Established in 2006, the Arab Youth Media Forum had set out, with its “Media Vision Through Youth’s Eyes” motto, to be the pioneer, under whose umbrella all the Arab media professionals and organizations are gathered. The Forum aims to vitalize communication between journalists and media organizations throughout the Arab world.