Special: Malaysia Airlines plane

CANBERRA - The following is the full text of Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott's statement to media Tuesday on the latest developments in the search for missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370:

"I have today been in further contact with Prime Minister Najib Razak of Malaysia to offer him Australia's continuing help, support and cooperation in what has now moved from a search to a recovery and investigation phase.

"This is a very, very difficult task. It's a long way from anywhere but obviously it's closer to Australia than anywhere else and Australia has much of the capacity needed to get this done as best as it can be."

"Above all else though I offer my condolences to the people of all of the countries who have lost friends relatives loved ones in the MH370 tragedy."

"This has been a desperately difficult time for thousands and thousands of people right around the globe particularly in China as well as in Malaysia."

"I understand that the loved ones of those on that plane may well wish to come to Australia in coming days and weeks. They will find a welcoming country that is more than willing to embrace them in this very difficult time."

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