Ukraine president Petro Poroshenko arrives in Australia for two-day visit

Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko has arrived in Australia for a two-day visit, with discussions about downed Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 among the top agenda items, according to ABC News 

Mr Poroshenko and Prime Minister Tony Abbott will attend a prayer vigil for the victims of the downed flight in Melbourne this morning.

The plane crashed in eastern Ukraine in July, killing all 298 on board, including 38 Australian citizens and residents.

Both countries have been calling for a thorough investigation into the incident.

Mr Abbott said the visit would be a chance to build on cooperation between the two countries since the downing of MH17.

"It is also an opportunity for Australia to reaffirm its support for Ukraine in the face of continuing threats to its territorial integrity," he said.

Australia has provided nearly $100 million to the International Monetary Fund to help support reform to Ukraine's economy, as well as $1 million in aid through the Red Cross.

Mr Abbott also announced in September non-lethal assistance to Ukraine's armed forces and the establishment of an interim Australian Embassy in Ukraine.

Mr Poroshenko will be in the country until Friday, visiting Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne.