The meeting was organized with just under eight weeks to go to the start of the 2014 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship, to be held in the Belarusian capital of Minsk for the first time ever.

With preparations for the tournament nearing the final stage, President Lukashenko reconfirmed the commitments made by Belarus as host during the 2009 IIHF Congress, when the country made its bid for the tournament. He maintained that the visa-free entry process is firmly in place for IIHF and team staff as well as journalists, whom he assured will have completely free working conditions while in Minsk covering the World Championship.

He also added that the construction of support facilities and the secondary venue Chizovkha Arena will be completed well in time for the start of the World Championship.

“We feel confident now that Belarus’ preparations for the World Championship are going smoothly and we are looking forward to a great tournament,” said Fasel.