Dutch Defense Minister Secretary-General Wim Geerts has praised the level of cooperation with Ukraine in investigating the circumstances of the shooting down of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 in the summer of 2014.

"We appreciate the level of cooperation with Ukraine in investigating the tragedy with the MH17 aircraft and are motivated to ensure that those guilty are justly punished," the press service of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry quoted Geerts as saying at a meeting with Ukrainian Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak in Vancouver, Canada, on Thursday.

He also noted Ukraine's efforts to restore peace and territorial integrity of the country.

"We understand the events that are taking place in Ukraine, and we clearly state that we condemn the illegal annexation of Crimea and the destabilization of the situation in the east of the country," Geerts said.

According to the report, the sides also discussed further bilateral military cooperation in 2018.