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The Cabinet in Berlin has agreed to provide financial support if Munich wins the chance to host the Games in 2018 ahead of rivals Annecy and Pyeongchang when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) votes at its Session in Durban on July 6, 2011.

"Today's Cabinet decision means the Federal Government has put into effect the German Parliament's recommendation of July 2, 2009 to promote and support the Olympic bid," said the German Interior Minister Thomas de Maizière, who is responsible for sport.

The guarantees include financial support for the organisation of the Games and the application of legal regulations in the fight against doping.

The Government is set to provide some €500 million (£439 million/$706 million) for the Games.

The total cost is estimated at €1.3 billion (£1.1 billion/£1.8 billion).

The Government will not contribute to the bid's marketing costs of €33 million (£29 million/$47 billion), but are expected to provide help if necessary.

Katarina Witt (pictured), the chairman of Munich 2018, welcomed the Cabinet's decision.

"I am delighted we have received this wholehearted endorsement from elected representatives at all levels of Government," she said.

"We clearly have a nationwide appreciation of the huge benefits the Games would bring to Bavaria, Germany and the Olympic Movement."

If Munich won the bid, it would become the first city to host both the Summer and Winter Olympics.

The city staged the Summer Games in 1972.

Thomas Bach, the President of the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) and chairman of the Munich 2018 Shareholders’ Assembly, was buoyant after the news of the Government's support.

"I am very happy to have support from the Government in Germany and this strong backing from the Federal Cabinet will undoubtedly reinforce the bid’s presence on the international stage," he said.

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