Bahrainis have been urged to seize the unique opportunity to ensure a brighter future for their country.

'This opportunity must not be squandered or put off,' His Majesty King Hamad said last night.

In an earnest call though Bahrain Radio's live programme Good Evening Bahrain, he extended thanks and appreciation to all Bahrainis for their sincere and patriotic feelings.

His Majesty said Bahrain would always dwell deep in the hearts of all citizens, voicing his optimism in the success of the national dialogue initiated by HRH the Crown Prince.

He also expressed his optimism in the ability of Bahrain and its people to overcome adversities and leave hardships behind them.

'Bahrain will continue its confident march towards a bright future, and emerge stronger and prouder than ever,' he said.

'We are able to show the world that Bahrain is the kingdom of love, civilisation and closely-knit hearts,' he added.

His Majesty thanked Information Affairs Authority staff for their sincere efforts to provide all citizens a chance to express their feelings towards their nation.

'Consider me one of you for I don't like protocols. This is how we have been all brought up and educated in our schools and majlises, in our beloved country,' he said.

'All citizens are highly precious, sons and daughters, men and women,' he said, stressing the spirit of closely-knit family bonding Bahrainis and wishing all citizens success whether at school or at work.

He called on parents to steer their children away from fallacious and untrue stories and direct them to the right path.

His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa paid tribute to the efforts of His Majesty to protect Bahrain and ensure its security, stability and prosperity.

'His Majesty's expressive words during his participation in a radio programme have inspired confidence and hope among citizens,' he said. 'The speech bore assurances for all that Bahrain is fine and what it is undergoing today, every democratic society can go through,' he said.-TradeArabia News Service