MH17: Hagel and Hisham agree on continued dialogue, investigation

PETALING JAYA: Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel spoke on the phone yesterday with Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein to offer his condolences for those who perished in Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 in eastern Ukraine, said Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby.
"Hagel extended his personal condolences to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak and Hishammuddin, whose step-grandmother was among the passengers killed," Kirby said in a statement.
"The secretary reiterated President Barack Obama's pledge to provide U.S. support to the investigation, and the two leaders discussed the security situation in Ukraine and the importance of making sure investigators have unimpeded and secure access to the crash site," he said.
"Secretary Hagel thanked the minister for his continued support of the strong relationship between the two militaries and both leaders agreed on the need for continued dialogue as the investigation into the crash proceeds," Kirby added.
Hagel and Hishammuddin promised to stay in touch as developments unfold.