Japan Foreign Minister to visit Zvezda that disposes of Russia's nuclear subs

Visiting Russia on June 28 through 30, Yoriko Kawaguchi will inspect the Zvezda factory, until recently a closed enterprise.

The disposal of submarines beyond their service life is one area where Japanese-Russian co-operation is a success, Vice-Premier Victor Khristenko told a RIA Novosti news conference. "It will be the first opportunity for a high-ranking Japanese representative to inspect this Russian factory", said Khristenko.

As regards a Russian-Japanese agreement on co-operation in the disposal of nuclear submarines, "its preparation is nearing completion", he said.

"If the process ends in the next few days, the agreement may be concluded during Kawaguchi's visit to Vladivostok, or just after his visit ends," Victor Khristenko said.