Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has sent a message of sympathy to the Australian Prime Minister for the 28 Australians killed in the recent Malaysian airline crash in Ukraine.

In a message to his Australian counterpart Tony Abbott, Bainimarama extended a message of sympathy and support on behalf of the Fijian Government and the Fijian people.

He said our condolences goes to the families of the victims, and we pray to Almighty God to give them patience and fortitude, and to grant all the souls eternal rest.

Bainimarama added Fiji joins the people of Australia and the international community in mourning this sad loss.