MANAMA: Bahrain is committed to ensuring the safety of its people, His Majesty King Hamad said as he opened the National Assembly yesterday. During a keynote address marking the start of the Second Session of Parliament and Shura Council's four-year term, he described Bahrain Defence Force officers and soldiers as an "impregnable fortress of the nation".

He also praised the Police and National Guard for their role in protecting the public and warned against any attempt to derail Bahrain's progress.

"Our eyes, minds and hearts will remain open to all those who wish to join the united nation with its Arab identity and Arab and Gulf dimensions," he said.

"We will support all those who endeavour to boost steady and positive progress without jumping stages or reversing course or stalling advances."

The King also said Bahrain must maintain its economic openness to help preserve growth rates and create new job opportunities.

He praised the success of the National Dialogue and Bahraini women, who now make up 10 per cent of parliament's 40-seat chamber following their success in last month's by-election.