Russia's Putin says U.S. shield decision positive

SOCHI, Russia (Reuters) - Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said on Friday a decision by the United States to scrap plans for a missile defense shield in Europe was positive.

Putin, speaking to investors in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, said he now expected the United States to back a bid by Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan to join the World Trade Organisation.

"I expect that after this correct and brave decision, others will follow, including the complete removal of all restrictions on the transfer of high technology to Russia and activity to widen the membership of the World Trade Organisation to (include) Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus," Putin said.

(Reporting by Toni Vorobyova and Gleb Bryanski, editing by Guy Faulconbridge)