Australia and Netherlands in talks with Russia over MH17

Australian and Dutch officials have met with their Russian counterparts over the downing of MH17, the Dutch foreign minister has confirmed.

Part of the wreckage of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17.

Marise Payne says reports of Russian hacking raises doubts about it wanting to solve the MH17 crash. Source: AAP

Dutch and Australian officials have met for the first time with their Russian counterparts in pursuit of "truth, justice and accountability" over the downing of MH17.

During a visit to Australia, Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok on Wednesday confirmed the three countries recently held talks over the 2014 tragedy.

The Malaysian Airlines flight was shot down by a Russian-made missile near the Ukraine border, killing 298 people including 38 Australians.
Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Stef Blok and Chief of Protocol Lyndal Sachs
Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Stef Blok and Chief of Protocol Lyndal Sachs Source: AAP
In a joint press conference with Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne, Mr Blok said he could not disclose what was specifically discussed in the meeting, but added "we remain committed to achieving truth, justice and accountability".

"The Netherlands and Australia stand side-by-side in grief and in resolve," Mr Blok said.
Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Stef Blok lays a wreath at the MH17 memorial plaque outside Parliament House in Canberra
Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Stef Blok lays a wreath at the MH17 memorial plaque outside Parliament House in Canberra Source: AAP
"Marise and I had a good meeting today and we spoke at length about MH 17 and talked about achieving justice and holding the perpetrators to account."

Ms Payne told reporters Australia and the Netherlands had an "unwavering" commitment to pursuing justice for the victims of the attack.


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Published 27 March 2019 1:30pm
Updated 27 March 2019 8:34pm


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