Manama, The Deputy King, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, today met with several senior officials from Gulf, Arab, and international press unions, associations, and newspapers that attended the eighth edition of the Prime Minister's Award for Journalism. His Royal Highness highlighted the importance of journalism in expressing opinions responsibly, independently, and objectively. In this regard, His Royal Highness noted the Kingdom's far-reaching constitutional and legal system, which guarantees freedom of speech, in accordance with the aspirations of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. HRH the Deputy King affirmed that journalism is pivotal to regional development efforts through the publication of articles that raise public awareness with the utmost objectivity and professionalism. HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad emphasised the importance of the ongoing support for journalism to ensure a commitment to progress and development across societies and nations. His Royal Highness went on to outline the vital role of unions and associations in enhancing communication and cooperation between Gulf, Arab, and international journalistic institutions. HRH the Deputy King emphasised that the organisation of the Prime Minister's Award for Journalism stems from Bahrain's pride in its media professionals and provides an opportunity to support and recognise freedom of opinion, expression, and responsible speech. HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad expressed his hope that the Award will further motivate and strengthen local journalism, including supporting the Executive and Legislative Authorities in line with the Kingdom's wide-ranging development aspirations. For their part, the representatives of the Gulf, Arab, and international press unions, associations, and newspapers expressed their gratitude and appreciation for His Royal Highness the Deputy King's commitment to supporting press freedom and the efforts of journalists as well as HRH's support to various Gulf and Arab development initiatives. The r epresentatives commended the Prime Minister's Award for Journalism, expressing their wishes for its continued development and for it to achieve the goals for which it was established. His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Minister of Cabinet Affairs, HE Hamad bin Faisal Al Malki, and the Minister of Information, HE Dr Ramzan bin Abdulla Al Nuaimi, also attended the meeting. Source: Bahrain News Agency