Bahrain-India hold political talks

The Foreign Ministries of the Kingdom of Bahrain and India held the sixth round of political talks. It was chaired by Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs, and Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, the Undersecretary for Consular Affairs, Passports, Visas and Overseas Expatriates Affairs of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.

Both sides reviewed ways of enhancing joint cooperation between the two friendly countries in political, commercial investment, scientific and security fields. They also discussed exchanging expertise in the security and space science domain and spotlighted regional and international topics of mutual concern.

Preparation for the fourth meeting of the Higher Joint Committee (HJC) between the two countries, which will be chaired by the Foreign Ministers of the two countries, was also reviewed.

The two sides underlined the importance of continuous bilateral talks to further strengthen ties in various areas.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Marseille defender Chancel Mbemba wins French league’s African player of the year award

Congolese stopper Chancel Mbemba was named the French league’s African player of the year on Tuesday, marking the first time the award has gone to a defender.

The Marseille player won the Marc-Vivien Foe prize ahead of last year’s winner, Ivory Coast midfielder Seko Fofana (Lens), and Nigeria striker Terem Moffi (Nice), reports AP.

Born in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mbemba moved to Europe at the age of 17 to Belgian club Anderlecht.

He also played for Newcastle and Porto before joining Marseille last summer, helping the 1993 European champions secure a third-place finish in the French league this season.

In addition to his defensive role, the 28-year-old Mbemba scored five goals in 35 league games this season.

More than 100 African players featured in the French league this season. Players who have featured for an African national team and played in at least 15 top-tier matches in France over the last season are eligible for the prize.

The award is decided by a panel of journalists specializing in French and African soccer.

Foe, a two-time African champion, collapsed and died during a Confederations Cup semifinal game in France in 2003 while playing for Cameroon.

Source: Bahrain News Agency