Romania's defence minister has suggested that his country and Bulgaria offer Russia joint military manoeuvres in a bid to ease its concerns over the deployment of US military bases in the two countries.

Minister Teodor Melescanu made the comment in Paris a day after Russia's President Vladimir Putin threatened to aim weapons at Europe if the US sets up a missile defence shield there.

Melescanu tried to find a diplomatic way to solve the conflict, Romanian news agency Mediafax commented.

"We need to explain to Russia the purposes that these bases will serve. That's why we intend to offer it joint military manoeuvres on our territory with the participation of troops from our two countries, Russia and the United States," underlined Melescanu.

He expressed regret at Putin's style, which reminded him of the "Cold War" period.

The US says it wants missile defence in eastern Europe to counter threats from states like Iran and North Korea.

On Sunday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Iran was not a threat to the US, hinting that Russia was the target.

Putin issued his warning in an interview with foreign reporters ahead of the G8 meeting.

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