Ukraine thanks Australia for MH17 help

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko is expected to thank Australian officials who sprang into action after the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight 17.

Mr Poroshenko and Prime Minister Tony Abbott are meeting the diplomats, military personnel and federal police who played a role after MH17 was shot down over Ukraine in July, killing all 298 people - including 38 Australians - on board.

The president and his wife will also visit the Australian War Memorial and lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier.

Mr Poroshenko will travel to Sydney later on Friday to address the Lowy Institute, attend a business round table and meet federal parliamentary Speaker Bronwyn Bishop.