Ukraine's Poroshenko, Australian PM Abbott Discuss Uranium, Coal Deliveries

MOSCOW, December 11 (Sputnik) — Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott have discussed possible deliveries of uranium and coal from Australia to Ukraine, the press service of Ukraine's president reported Thursday.

"We have agreed to start cooperation in the energy sector. We have discussed the possibility of using Australian uranium at our nuclear power plants," the press service quoted Poroshenko as saying adding that the parties have also agreed to study the possibility of supplying Australian coal to Ukraine.

Abbott said that if the project proves viable, it will be beneficial to both parties.

On Wednesday, the Ukrainian leader arrived in Australia on a state visit. Poroshenko plans to visit Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney, where he will hold a series of meetings.

Australia is one of the world's two largest suppliers of uranium ore (30 percent of world exports), and the largest exporter of coal (over 32 percent).

Due to the conflict in Ukraine's eastern regions, Kiev has lost a big part of its coal mines. The country is currently suffering from the lack of fuel for power generation and heating. Ukraine has already started to purchase coal from South Africa.