Malaysian PM travels to Australia to express appreciation for international search efforts

PERTH, Australia, April 3 (UPI) -- Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak joined Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott at RAAF Base Pearce on Thursday to honor the search efforts for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370.

Eight countries are involved in the international search and recovery mission for the plane, which disappeared March 8 while en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. Investigators believe the plane crashed somewhere in the southern Indian Ocean off the coast of Perth.

The Malaysian prime minister acknowledged "It was a very heart-warming experience to be introduced to the leaders of the various countries -- from China, from the United States, from New Zealand, from Japan, from the Republic of Korea, from New Zealand and of course from both Australia and Malaysia."

To the searchers, he expressed appreciation for their work in often harrowing weather conditions. “I know it is a daunting task to go out there in very inclement weather, in very challenging circumstances. Malaysia is indeed grateful for your courage and for your commitment."

Ten aircraft and nine ships were involved in Thursday's search, which shifted north and covered a 248,000 square kilometer area.

The Australian Joint Agency Coordination Center reported there were "no sightings of any objects."

[Joint Agency Coordination Center]