Visiting Dutch PM flies Malaysia Airlines Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte's decision to fly to Australia on Malaysia Airlines has a nice symbolism, Tony Abbott says. Mr Rutte will meet Mr Abbott in Canberra on Thursday to discuss the MH17 disaster investigation and hold talks on trade and investment. The number one item in our discussion is the progress of the investigation. The progress of identification, and repatriation, and our shared determination to ensure that this atrocity is fully investigated," Mr Abbott said. A total of 298 people were killed when MH17 was shot down by Russian-backed separatists over eastern Ukraine in July, including 196 Dutch nationals, 38 Australians and 43 Malaysians. The Dutch leader met with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak before heading to Australia. Mr Rutte has been critical of Russia's response to the disaster aftermath, particularly the way in which separatists blocked access to the crash site. Malaysia and Australia are also critical of the response, with Mr Abbott threatening to "shirt-front" Russian President Vladimir Putin over the issue when the pair meet later this month. In Australia, Mr Rutte will also meet Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove and cabinet ministers and thank foreign affairs officials involved in the MH17 effort. Dutch media have reported he will meet the families of MH17 victims, some of whom have Dutch backgrounds. Mr Abbott said Australia's already close partnership with the Netherlands had deepened over the two countries' mutual grief over the July 17 tragedy.