His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has stressed that the media occupies a privileged position in service of the development process and cultural renaissance being experienced by the UAE.

Sheikh Mohamed made the remark this evening while receiving a number of UAE media officials and representatives.

He exchanged greetings with media persons on the advent of Holy Month of Ramadan, wishing more progress to the UAE, led by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as well as Arab and Muslim countries.

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi said various media institutions are key partners in supporting the development and progress efforts of the State, adding that "it is their national duty and responsibility towards the community to raise issues and topics in a professional way in light of current spread of information, news and multiplicity of sources. In addition to its important role in highlighting the constructive, innovative ideas and visions, the media plays an instrumental role in spreading the culture of tolerance, respect and coexistence."

During the meeting, attended by Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State, Chairman of the Board of Directors of National Media Council, Sheikh Mohamed called for continuation of training of the national cadres as per the latest media technologies to shoulder their national responsibilities and upgrade the media product in terms of form and content in a way that reflects the progress attained by the UAE in all fields, and "introduces our authentic heritage and identity."

Sheikh Mohamed said all individuals in the community should be alert about extremism and sectarian incitement, calling on all institutions, individuals, especially the media institutions, to tackle the advocates and promoters of extremism, terrorism and violence, and the ideology of hatred. He noted that their malicious ideology and its adverse effect on safe communities should be exposed.

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi underscored that the media should also uncover the deception of the terrorist groups' discourse since they exploit religion to broadcast their inflammatory and destructive messages and ideas with intent to destroy the social fabric and security structure in the countries and communities in the Arab and Islamic world.

He added that the terrorists call for strife and division among the components of society, reiterating that their ideas, which are inconsistent with the values of Islam regarding peace, tolerance and coexistence, should be refuted.