Moscow, Sep 18 (RIA Novosti) Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said Thursday that Russia valued US President Barack Obama's decision to scrap plans for a missile shield in Central Europe.

Obama announced earlier Thursday that Washington was dropping its previous plans to deploy elements of a missile shield in the Czech Republic and Poland because the Iran threat is perceived in a different way.

The Bush administration sought to deploy a radar station in the Czech Republic and interceptor missiles in Poland as defence against potential strikes from Iran. Russia has consistently opposed the plans as a threat to its security and the strategic balance of forces in Europe.

Medvedev said that Russia 'noted President Obama's announcement on the adjustment of the US's approach to the issue of missile defence.'

'We value the responsible approach of the US president to our agreement.