AFC Chief in key visit to Palestine

Ramallah, Apr.23 (BNA): Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas bestowed Al-Quds Grand Medal on Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa in recognition of his efforts in leading the Asian soccer and supporting the Palestinian sport. President Abbas received in Ramallah the AFC Chief who arrived on an official visit to the State of Palestine. He conveyed greetings from His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa to the Palestinian leader. President Abbas extended greetings to HM the King, hailing the outstanding relations binding Bahrain and Palestine. He lauded Bahrain’s supportive stance to the Palestinian cause, commending the efforts exerted by Shaikh Salman to support football in Palestine. The AFC chief was welcomed earlier in Jericho by Palestinian Football Association Chairman Lieutenant-General Jibril Rajoub and other official and sport personalities. Shaikh Salman held a press conference at the headquarters of the Palestinian Football Federation, hailing Palestine’s football strides over the past years, which enabled the Palestinian national team to move up the FIFA ranking.  Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa visited the mausoleum of late Palestinian President Yasser Arafat in Ramallah.