Amman, November 10 (Petra) – Speaker of the Lower House Ibrahim Tarawneh said the media is the "first line of defence" against extremist ideology and a key tool for raising public awareness of its dangers.

Tarawneh made the remarks during a meeting on Tuesday with Jordan Press Association (JPA) President Tareq Momani and members of the association's council.

Tarawneh praised the JPA's national and professional role in advancing journalism and defending the interests of its members.

He said the current phase calls for unified national discourse that reinforces national cohesion and protects future generations from extremist ideologies.

He also said that the House of Representatives recognises the media's mission and its role in serving national causes, adding that its doors remain open to the JPA to hear its views and proposals and draw on its expertise when discussing legislation related to the media sector.

Such cooperation, he added, aims to promote press freedom and responsible professional practice.

Tarawneh further noted that the House's National Guidance and Media Committee, once formed, would maintain regular communication with the JPA to strengthen institutional cooperation and help address challenges facing the journalism sector.

In turn, Momani, speaking on behalf of the association's council, congratulated Tarawneh and members of the House's Permanent Bureau on winning the confidence of their fellow MPs.

He expressed appreciation for the House's role in serving national causes and called for strengthening cooperation between the two institutions.

Momani said the JPA is committed to regulating journalistic practice, protecting the profession, safeguarding the rights of journalists and media institutions and promoting adherence to professional ethics and standards.

He also urged working with the House of Representatives on relevant legislation, saying such cooperation would help develop the media sector, preserve the profession's standing and strengthen its national mission.

//Petra// AK