OREANDA-NEWS. March 6, 2008.Belarus can become a great ice hockey power, President of the country Alexander Lukashenko said at a meeting with president of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Rene Fasel.

“I am sure that in several years Belarus will prove it is a great hockey power and take a fitting place in the rating,” the Head of State said. “Everything possible is being done in our country to turn it into a world-class hockey power,” he said.

Alexander Lukashenko added that Belarus is ready for the closest cooperation with the International Ice Hockey Federation.

In turn, Mr Rene Fasel noted that the federation will provide every possible assistance to promote the development of ice hockey in Belarus.