Prague  - Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek, whose country chairs the European Union until June 30, said he hopes US President Barack Obama can be as strong as his predecessors.

"I would wish him that he is not afraid to tackle problems as forcefully as his predecessors," Topolanek said.

Topolanek's centre-right government, a close ally of outgoing US president George W Bush, is waiting to hear from Obama on plans to place a US missile defence base in the Czech Republic and Poland, former Soviet satellite states.

The Czech premier wished Obama to meet the "great expectations" marking his inauguration. "I would wish Barack Obama that he manages to fulfil at least a portion of (his plans)," he said.

Topolanek also said he hoped that communication between Europe and the United State improves under the new administration.

"The European Union is ready to firm transatlantic partnership together with the American administration and adjust it to changing needs of the contemporary world," the Czech Republic's presidency of the EU said in a statement. dpa