MOGADISHU, May 3 (Xinhua) -- Somalia on Saturday joined the rest of the international community in marking World Press Freedom Day, with a senior United Nations official calling for the safety of journalists working in the country.

James Swan, special representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia, also stressed the importance of public access to information.

"In view of the key role of independent media as Somalia rebuilds and develops, journalists must be able to carry out their vital work safely and free from harassment and intimidation," Swan said in a statement issued in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.

This year, World Press Freedom Day focuses on the profound impact of artificial intelligence on journalism and media under the theme "Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media."

Swan said the day reminds governments of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom. It also celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom, assesses the state of press freedom throughout the world, defends the media from attacks on their independence, and pays tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

"Media freedom and access to information empower citizens to contribute to national development and to hold public institutions to account," he added. ■