Australia will send military equipment to Ukraine - Australian PM
KYIV. Sept 11 (Interfax) - Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has had a phone conversation with Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbot to discuss bilateral cooperation issues, the Ukrainian presidential press service reported on Wednesday.
"Australia will consider the opportunity for enhancing military-technical cooperation and, as the first stage, will send a lot of military equipment and heating apparatus," Abbot said. "Also, Australia is ready to begin providing training programs and equipment for Ukrainian servicemen," he said.
Abbot also said the Australian government is ready to provide $1 million for humanitarian aid to Ukraine through the International Committee of the Red Cross.
"The Australian prime minister rated the Ukrainian president's actions aimed at implementing the peace plan and his efforts to introduce a ceasefire regime highly," the press service said.
Abbot again thanked the Ukrainian authorities for their help in the aftermath of the crash of the Malaysian Boeing, which had also been carrying citizens of Australia.
Poroshenko, for his part, thanked Abbot for his timely assistance and support.
Abbot also said he intends to pay an official visit to Ukraine. He said Australia is opening an embassy in Kyiv, which will make it easier for Ukrainians to travel to Australia.