The President of Ukraine, His Excellency Mr Petro Poroshenko, will make a state visit to Australia as guest of the Commonwealth Government on 10 to 12 December.
Australia’s relationship with Ukraine has deepened since the tragic downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine, with the loss of 38 people who called Australia home.
President Poroshenko’s visit provides an opportunity to build on the strong spirit of cooperation forged since the tragic events of MH17 and to discuss our shared commitment to a thorough and robust investigation and to bringing those responsible to justice.
It is also an opportunity for Australia to reaffirm its support for Ukraine in the face of continuing threats to its territorial integrity.
Australia has already provided $97.6 million to the International Monetary Fund loan package to support reforms to Ukraine’s economy, as well as $1 million of humanitarian aid through the International Committee of the Red Cross.
In September, I announced non-lethal assistance to Ukraine’s armed forces and the establishment of an interim Australian Embassy in Ukraine.
President Poroshenko will visit Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney.
I look forward to welcoming him.
10 December 2014