PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and Ukraine are committed to uncovering the truth about the Malaysia Airlines MH17 tragedy, and to ensure that justice is served.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Ukraine president Petro Poroshenko today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said Malaysia will work with Ukraine to bring the perpetrators to justice.
"We will do whatever we can to find the truth for the sake of families who lost their loved ones in this tragic incident.
"We are waiting for the criminal investigation report, which is expected to be tabled by the year-end, followed by a meeting to decide on the next course of action," said Najib.
On July 17 two years ago, MH17 was shot down as it was flying over eastern Ukraine, killing all 298 people onboard.
Poroshenko, meanwhile, said the Ukrainian government is committed to seeing the probe on the tragedy completed. He said Ukraine would engage all means possible to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
Poroshenko is in Malaysia for an official three-day visit, the first by any Ukrainian president.
Meanwhile, the two leaders said Malaysia and Ukraine have agreed to boost bilateral ties in tourism, education and economy.
Najib said Malaysia and Ukraine would form a joint trade commission to facilitate business between the two nations.
"We also take note of the opportunities available for Malaysian companies to participate in the privatisation project in Ukraine.
"Both countries should also begin talks on visa on arrival to boost tourism sector. We hope to create more awareness about Malaysia in Ukraine,” said Najib.
Both leaders also discussed the prospect of boosting the higher education sector between the two countries.
Earlier, Najib and Poroshenko witnessed the signing of several agreements. These included an agreement for avoidance of double taxation and prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income and capital gains between the two governments.
The agreement was signed by Ukraine Foreign Affairs Minister Pavlo Klimkin and Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman.
Klimkin and Anifah also signed a treaty on extradition between Malaysia and Ukraine.
Klinkin and Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali also signed a treaty on mutual legal assistance in civil and criminal matters between the two nations.