MH17 on agenda for Ukraine president visit

The downing of MH17 and Russia's support for rebels in eastern Ukraine will be on the agenda when Petro Poroshenko visits Australia.

Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko

The downing of MH17 will be on the agenda when Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko visits Australia. (AAP)

Tony Abbott will reaffirm Australia's support for Ukraine in its continuing battle against pro-Russian separatists when the country's president arrives for a visit.

The prime minister will use the state visit of Petro Poroshenko, which begins on Wednesday, to discuss their commitment to bringing the perpetrators of the MH17 disaster to justice.

The passenger jet was shot down over eastern Ukraine in July by pro-Russian rebels who are waging a war against government forces.

Among the 298 killed when the Malaysia Airlines plane was downed by a surface-to-air missile were 38 Australian residents.

Australia's relationship with Ukraine has deepened significantly after the disaster, with both nations calling for a thorough investigation into who was responsible.

Mr Abbott has pointed the finger at Russia, accusing it of providing the missile and military support to the rebels, threatening Ukraine's territorial integrity.

In September the prime minister announced non-lethal assistance to Ukraine's armed forces and the establishment of an interim Australian embassy in Ukraine.

Australia has also contributed nearly $100 million to a global fund to help Ukraine spearhead economic reforms and $1 million in humanitarian aid.

President Poroshenko will visit Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne.


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