I would like to start by thanking the men and women who are giving their all to find MH370.
Over
the past three weeks, hundreds of people have journeyed thousands of
kilometres to help. They have searched through stormy seas and freezing
fog. They have sailed through storms to find the plane. We owe them each
a debt of gratitude.
This has been a remarkable effort, bringing
together nations from around the world. When MH370 went missing, dozens
of countries answered the call for help. Their commitment will not be
forgotten.
In a time of great tragedy for the countries with
citizens on board, and the families whose loved ones are missing this co-operation has given us all heart. Differences have been set
aside, as 26 nations have united behind a common cause. The
disappearance of MH370 is without precedent; so too is the search.
This
morning I met with sailors and aircrew at Pearce Air Force Base. I also
spoke to the commanders of the seven nations who are here to search for
MH370. They told me of the difficulties of a search like this; of
distance, and weather, and of maintaining morale over a long period.
As
we speak, 10 aircraft and 9 ships are searching the Indian Ocean for
any sign of the missing plane. The search area is vast, and the
conditions are not easy. But the new refined search area has given us
new hope. And I believe the courage of the crews is more than equal to
the task. Once again, I thank them all for what they are doing.
I
would also like to thank Prime Minister Abbott for hosting us here in
Perth; for agreeing to lead the search operations in the southern Indian
Ocean; and for accepting our invitation for Australia to participate as
an Accredited Representative in the investigation. We will continue to
work closely with the Australian government to draw up a comprehensive
agreement on the search.
At this difficult time, Australia has
proven an invaluable friend. The Australian authorities, like so many
others, have offered their assistance without hesitation or delay. I
would like to sincerely thank Australia for all they have done, and are
doing, to find the plane.
We are also grateful to all those who
have brought their expertise to bear on what Prime Minister Abbott
rightly called one of the great mysteries of our time.
The
disappearance of MH370 has tested our collective resolve. Faced with so
little evidence, and such a Herculean task, investigators from Malaysia,
the US, the UK, China, Australia and France have worked without pause
to reveal the aircraft's movements. Their collective efforts have led
us here.
We are here today, but our thoughts are thousands of
kilometres away. In the cities and countries around the world, where
families of those on board wait desperately for news. And in the
vastness of the Indian Ocean, where MH370 awaits.
I know that
until we find the plane, many families cannot start to grieve. I cannot
imagine what they must be going through. But I can promise them that we
will not give up.
Thank you.
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