Turkey calls for cooperation on Malaysian plane crash probe

Turkey has called for cooperation with Ukrainian government on an international investigation into the crash of the Malaysia Airlines flight MH17.

"We consider the downing of the Malaysia Airlines passenger plane while flying through Ukrainian airspace in Donetsk region where illegal separatist groups have been active as a heinous attack on innocent civilians," Turkey's Foreign Ministry said in a written statement Saturday.

Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 crashed Thursday afternoon with 298 people - 283 passengers and 15 crew members - on board. There are no reports of any survivors.

It is believed that the plane was shot down by a surface-to-air missile, launched from an area controlled by Russian-backed separatists inside of Ukraine.

"It is essential that all relevant countries and organizations will cooperate with the Ukrainian government and that the perpetrators of this attack will be brought to justice through a profound investigation," Turkish Foreign Ministry said.