Norway PM asserts media’s role in enhancing democracy

AMMAN — Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg on Sunday highlighted the importance of ethical journalism and the critical press, and their role in combatting hate speech and curbing the spread of false news. 

The premier stressed the necessity for commitment of members of the press to the ethical standards and values of journalism to produce credible and high quality content, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

Solberg’s remarks came during an open discussion held with students and faculty at the Jordan Media Institute (JMI), in the presence of HRH Princess Rym Ali, founder of the JMI. 

During the discussion, Solberg said that Norway does not impose censorship due to its belief in the role of critical journalism in protecting and enhancing democracy. 

The PM mentioned a Norwegian government initiative to create laws on journalistic accountability, which will play a role in enhancing the quality of media content. 

Solberg pointed to the oppression and dangers facing journalists in areas of conflict, stressing the need to provide them with a suitable work environment and the necessary protection required to do their work freely and safely. 

Solberg affirmed Jordan’s and Norway’s keenness on enhancing bilateral cooperation and implementing signed agreements, noting that no new agreements have been signed during her current visit.

The premier lauded Jordan’s and Norway’s contributions in combatting extremism within the a counterterrorism alliance. 

“Norway has not announced its stance on the ‘deal of the century’, due to the absence of its contents,” Solberg said, underlining that her country supports a two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and Israel’s withdrawal from occupied Palestinian territory. 

She added that Israel’s continued occupation of more Palestinian lands has hindered peace efforts, called for by the Oslo Accords, according to Petra. 

Solberg said that Norway is one of the largest supporters of educational programmes targetting Syrian refugees in Jordan, noting Oslo’s “dedication to securing the right of every Syrian child to go to school and continue their education”. 

Solberg on Monday left the Kingdom, marking the end of a two-day official visit, according to Petra.