‘Perpetrators of MH17 tragedy will see justice’
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and Ukraine have sealed their commitment to work closely together on many areas of mutual interest and high on their priority list is to ensure that the perpetrators of the MH17 tragedy are brought to justice.
This reaffirmation was made during discussions held between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and visiting Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko.
“We are committed to whatever we can, especially for the sake of the families who lost their loved ones in that very tragic incident. We also want to make sure that justice is served,” Najib said.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Poroshenko after their bilateral meeting, he said that both countries were now waiting for the criminal investigation report to be completed by the year end.
“After it is published, the five countries concerned will meet again to agree on the next course of action and in what form and manner in which we can ensure those responsible for the incident to be brought to justice,” said Najib.
On the same issue, Poroshenko agreed that all possible means should be used to seek justice for the families of the victims.
“This is our way of paying tribute to the innocent victims as well as our duty to their families. I would like to use this opportunity to express my sincere condolences to all the families who suffered from this disastrous terrorist attack,” said Poroshenko.
On July 17, 2014, MH17 was downed in eastern Ukraine over territory held by Russian-backed separatist rebels, killing 298 people on board, including 43 Malaysians.
The Netherlands, which lost 193 of its citizens in the tragedy, is leading two correlated investigations into the crash.
The cause is being probed by the Dutch Safety Board (DBS) while the criminal inquiry is being conducted by the Joint Investigation Team (JIT), of which Malaysia is a member along with Australia, Belgium, Ukraine and the Netherlands.
Najib said his discussions with Poroshenko revolved around the need for both countries to enhance trade, investment and bilateral ties particularly with significant opportunities that are available in both countries.
The Prime Minister said they agreed to explore possibilities of Malaysian companies taking part in the management of airports and tolls, as well as the construction of highways, power stations and public housing in Ukraine, adding that there were also interests to participate in long-term projects.
Poroshenko said his visit was a milestone for Ukraine-Malaysia relations as this was the first visit made by the head of the state, expressing gratitude to Najib on the consistent support given to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of his country.
“I’m greatly impressed by Malaysia’s economic growth. I visited the Petronas Twin Towers and Putrajaya which are the symbols of this country’s rapid progress and hard work of its people,” he said.
Poroshenko said that Ukraine had a lot to offer to Malaysia, from joint participation in the space programme, to supply of defence products, food and pharmaceutical.