The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is actively broadening its network of international partnerships, with a particular focus on collaboration with international and regional organizations to address shared global challenges. This commitment is formalized within the ASEAN Charter, specifically Articles 44 (2) and 45, which emphasize the importance of multilateralism and cooperative initiatives.
Current partnerships include organizations such as the United Nations (UN) and its specialized agencies, alongside regional bodies like the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO), and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). ASEAN also maintains ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), the Pacific Alliance (PA), the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR), and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
These partnerships are intended to support ASEAN’s community-building efforts and contribute to the maintenance of peace, stability, and prosperity both within the Southeast Asian region and beyond. The ASEAN Declaration, signed August 8, 1967, in Bangkok, Thailand, initially established the organization.
ASEAN’s engagement extends to a diverse range of entities, including the International Renewable Energy Agency, the Asian Development Bank, and various dialogue partners such as Australia, China, Japan, and Korea. Further collaborations exist with the Eurasian Economic Commission, the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Atomic Energy Agency, the International Energy Agency, and the International Telecommunication Union. The organization also works with the Mekong River Commission, the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development, and the World Anti-Doping Agency.
A rotation system is in place for ASEAN Coordinatorship concerning these regional groupings, though details of the current rotation schedule have not been publicly released. The Treaty Division within ASEAN’s Legal Services & Agreements Directorate serves as the primary contact point for these international collaborations, operating under the email address TreatyDivision@asean.org.
