May 10, Kathmandu- Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba has said that a free press and an informed citizens are the guardians of democracy.

Addressing the Lomanthang International Media Summit organized by the Nepal Press Union in Lalitpur today, she said, "Only a free press can guard the democratic governance system. Therefore, democracy cannot be imagined without press freedom."

Minister Dr. Rana said that citizens' freedom of speech and expression and press freedom are more essential and important in the current era, arguing that only through this path can a democratic, prosperous and inclusive society be built.

Therefore, she said, the current government is fully committed to press freedom.

She said, "The government has always been in favor of press and freedom of expression. The current constitution of Nepal has made provision for press freedom not only under the fundamental rights but also in the preamble. This also clearly reflects Nepal's commitment."

Minister Dr. Rana said that democracy is currently facing various challenges and due to which trust in the country's democratic institutions is decreasing, and said that in such a situation, the press has an important role to play in raising people's hopes for democracy and civil liberties.

She said that journalism has an important role to play in the current situation where the basic values ​​of respect for different opinions are declining more than ever before, and journalism itself will protect the truth and provide a platform for different voices.

Minister Dr. Rana urged all media personnel to stop the flood of such false information and lead the way in building a good society by disseminating truthful and dignified information as misinformation and disinformation are currently spreading negativity in Nepal and elsewhere. Minister Dr. Rana also suggested that media personnel should work themselves to stop such wrong practices as misinformation undermines the democratic system.

Focusing on this issue, she informed that the Government of Nepal has organized the Sagarmatha Dialogue this week, and said that this conference is expected to be important to further raise the voice of climate justice that Nepal has been raising on world forums and to demonstrate Nepal's presence at the international level.