Ukraine in Arabic | Australia to extend military cooperation with Kiev
KYIV/Ukraine in Arabic/ Australia is going to enhance its military-technical cooperation with Ukraine and is planning to train soldiers and provide funding and equipment for the Ukrainian army, the official website of Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko reported Wednesday.
"Australia will consider the possibility of deepening military and technical cooperation and, as a first step, will send to Ukraine a batch of military equipment and means of heat insulation. Australia is also ready to start programs on the education, training and equipping of Ukrainian troops," the presidential press service quoted Abbott as saying on Wednesday.
He also said that the Australian government was ready to allocate $1 million in humanitarian assistance to Ukraine through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
"The Australian prime minister praised the actions of the Ukrainian president on the implementation of a peace plan and his efforts for the introduction of a ceasefire regime," reads the report.
Abbott also thanked Poroshenko for the actions of the Ukrainian side in overcoming the consequences of the tragedy with the downed Malaysian Boeing, on board which there were also Australian citizens.
Poroshenko, in turn, thanked Abbott for the timely help and support.
Abbott also said he intended to make an official visit to Ukraine. He said that according to a preliminary agreement, Australia would open an embassy in Kyiv, which will start operating soon.
"This will help facilitate the receipt by Ukrainian citizens of consular services, and now Ukrainians will be able to travel to Australia more easily," reads the report.