Updated

PRAGUE (AP) — The Czech Republic's vice premier says the government has approved an agreement with the United States on scientific cooperation in defense research.

Martin Bartak said Tuesday the deal would make it possible for Czech scientists to participate in and have access to U.S. defense projects. Details were not given.

He said he expected it to be signed in next few weeks.

The agreement is a byproduct of a Bush-era plan to place parts of a U.S. global missile defense shield in the Czech Republic and Poland.

Last year, President Barack Obama's administration abandoned the plan and also won Czech support for its new missile defense system.