MH17 crash: US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel calls Malaysian Defence Minister

WASHINGTON: US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel today called his Malaysian counterpart Hishammuddin Hussein to discuss the shooting down of the Malaysia Airlines plane over eastern Ukraine that killed all 298 people on board.

Hagel, the Pentagon said, reiterated the pledge of US President Barack Obama to provide support to the investigation into the tragic incident.

"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," the Pentagon said in a readout of the call.

According to the Pentagon, Hagel offered his condolences for those who lost their lives on Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 in eastern Ukraine.

"The Secretary extended his personal condolences to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Minister Hishammuddin, whose step-grandmother was among the passengers killed," the statement said.

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, the Pentagon said.