Press Release M-NAC- 2(2000)121 Report on Options for Confidence and Security Building Measures (CSBMs), Verification, Non-Prolife- ration, Arms Control and Disarmament December 2000

5. NATO's Role in the Future : Options for CSBMs, Verification, Non-Proliferation, Arms Control and Disarmament 5.4. Building Confidence Through Consultations with Partners and Dialogue Countries   5.4.2. Consultations with Ukraine The NATO-Ukraine Commission was established under the terms of the Charter on a Distinctive Partnership between NATO and Ukraine signed in July 1997. The Commission meets at least twice a year to review progress in the development of the relationship between NATO and Ukraine. Consultations with Ukraine on proliferation have included a general exchange of views on risks, the role and effectiveness of multi-national regimes, and questions regarding assistance with export controls. Ukraine has highlighted its own national contributions to global non-proliferation efforts: following its independence, it joined the Non-Proliferation Treaty in 1994, renouncing the possession of nuclear weapons; Ukraine ratified the CTBT in November 2000; Ukraine is also active in international fora on non-proliferation, inter alia in the South Asia Task Force. Further consultations with Ukraine are actively being planned. The Alliance dialogue with Russia and with Ukraine on proliferation-related issues are tangible contributions to the overall goal of establishing CSBMs. The Alliance will work for the enhancement and deepening of the established broad dialogue with Russia on a reciprocal basis within the framework of the NATO-Russia Founding Act. Furthermore, the Alliance will pursue its broad dialogue with Ukraine on matters related to WMD proliferation, including defence-related consultations aimed to promote increased co-operation eventually leading to interoperability in defence efforts against the risks posed by WMD. It is recommended that these consultations be continued and improved.