The country's defense minister has said that stationing U. S. missiles on Polish soil will strengthen Poland's security.

RIA Novosti reported on Wednesday that Bogdan Klich welcomed a Patriot missile battery and its 100 U. S. troops in a ceremony attended by U. S. Ambassador to Poland Lee Feinstein and U. S. Army officers.

Klich also said that the deployment would go a long way "in strengthening the strategic nature of relations between the United States and Poland."

The United States has set up a temporary military base close to the northern Polish town of Morag, 50 miles from the Russian border, under an agreement signed with Poland in February.

RIA Novosti also reported that U. S. troops will train Polish forces at the base, which will become permanent in 2012.

Moscow has reacted strongly to the move, demanding the base be moved away from the border.

The news agency further reported that the Russian Foreign Ministry said the deployment "did not enhance regional security and cooperation." (With Inputs from Agencies)