Rabat: Speaking at the awards ceremony for the 23rd National Press Grand Prix, the minister said that following the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2797 on the Moroccan Sahara, Moroccan press is urged to support this major turning point, driven by the wise and foresighted leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, given the essential role of the press in defending the great causes of the nation and the higher interests of the country through information, analysis, and debate.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, the minister noted that the press is not only a profession, but a noble public service and a bulwark of democracy, with a focus on revealing the truth and disseminating reliable and responsible information. He added that a free press guarantees public action’s transparency.

Bensaid also emphasized that tomorrow’s journalists will need to master the skills of research, verification, processing, and in-depth analysis of data, while respecting the principles of digital responsibility and professional ethics.

The minister also discussed the current challenges facing the press sector, mainly the economic model, the digital transition, and the need to reach out to different segments of society.

Regarding the National Press Grand Prix, Bensaid said that this award, established by His Majesty the King on November 15, 2002, is an annual opportunity to encourage Moroccan journalistic skills and honor senior journalists who have rendered great services to the profession and actively contributed to defending its values and lofty mission.

Moroccan press, long a partner in advancing democracy and serving society, is moving confidently toward the future, he stressed, noting that it shall remain a responsible and engaged actor in society’s development.