Dutch PM Rutte joins Malaysia PM in MH17 talks

During a press conference in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur this morning, Prime Minister Mark Rutte called it "perfectly logical" that Malaysia is "fully involved" in the investigation into the attack on Malaysian Airlines flight MH17.

"Now it is essential that we continue working together closely, and that we keep this subject high on the international agenda." said Prime Minister Rutte. Rutte also thanked Malaysia for the excellent cooperation in the aftermath of the disaster.

The Netherlands, Malaysia and Australia, which was also hit hard by the disaster, are working hard to achieve their goals: the repatriation of the victims' remains and personal belongings, investigating the facts of the disaster and conducting a criminal investigation. "Conditions on the ground remain difficult. But we remain determined to achieve these goals." said Rutte.

The Prime Minister also met with aid workers and people involved in investigating the cause of the disaster. Here too he thanked the efforts of the Malays. "Your dedication and perseverance are invaluable to us in identifying and retrieving the remains and personal belongings"

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak thanked the Netherlands for its efforts in the aftermath of the MH17 disaster and expressed appreciation for the close cooperation between the two countries. Last week the Malaysian Ambassador in the Netherlands,  Fauziah Mohd Taib, expressed frustration over the marginal role Malaysia played in the investigation. According to Najib, this discontent has been removed after his meeting with Prime Minister Rutte.

Prime Minister Rutte flew to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia Airlines flight MH19. The Malaysia Airlines flight between Amsterdam and Kuala Lumpur was renamed flight MH19 in July, shortly after the disaster with flight MH17.