This decision is due to be announced by Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso during Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin’s visit to Japan on May 12, Kyodo said, citing Japanese officials, RIA Novosti said.
 
Japan earlier allocated 2 billion yen ($20 million) toward dismantling some 70 nuclear submarines. The additional funding is aimed at highlighting the East Asian country’s commitment to the nuclear non-proliferation process and preventing potential environmental damage from abandoned nuclear submarines, Japanese officials were quoted as saying by the agency.

Kyodo said that the project, involving some 20 countries, is expected to be completed in the spring of 2010. The funding is expected to be spent on cranes and the construction of mini-docks in Russia’s Pacific port city of Vladivostok.

Kyodo also said that Japan may contribute funds for the construction of facilities to store spent nuclear fuel, RIA Novosti said.