Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte is flying out to Malaysia on Tuesday to meet his Malaysian counterpart Najib Razak to discuss the latest developments surrounding the crash of flight MH17.

Flight MH17 crashed on July 17, killing 298 people, after it was apparently brought down by a missile over eastern Ukraine. The service has since been renamed MH19.

The Netherlands has the lead role in the investigation into what happened but has come in for criticism in recent weeks.

Rebels

In particular, there have been claims Dutch officials could have had quicker access to the crash site and personal effects of the victims if they had dealt with the pro-Russian rebels.

And Malaysia’s ambassador to the Netherlands, Fauziah Mohd Taib, has criticised the lack of involvement of her country in the investigation. There were 43 Malaysian nationals on the flight.

After a short stay in Kuala Lumpur, Rutte will travel on to Australia to discuss the latest efforts to get better access to the crash site with Australian prime minister Tony Abbott.

Rutte may also meet relatives of the 38 Australian victims of the crash, Nos television reports.