CHAPTER XII EXTERNAL RELATIONS

ARTICLE 41
CONDUCT OF EXTERNAL RELATIONS

1. ASEAN shall develop friendly relations and mutually beneficial
dialogue, cooperation and partnerships with countries and subregional,
regional and international organisations and institutions.
2. The external relations of ASEAN shall adhere to the purposes
and principles set forth in this Charter.

3. ASEAN shall be the primary driving force in regional
arrangements that it initiates and maintain its centrality in regional
cooperation and community-building.
4. In the conduct of external relations of ASEAN, Member States
shall, on the basis of unity and solidarity, coordinate and endeavour to
develop common positions and pursue joint actions.
5. The strategic policy directions of ASEAN’s external relations
shall be set by the ASEAN Summit upon the recommendation of the
ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting.
6. The ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting shall ensure
consistency and coherence in the conduct of ASEAN’s external
relations.
7. ASEAN may conclude agreements with countries or subregional,
regional and international organisations and institutions. The
procedures for concluding such agreements shall be prescribed by the
ASEAN Coordinating Council in consultation with the ASEAN
Community Councils.

ARTICLE 42
DIALOGUE COORDINATOR

1. Member States, acting as Country Coordinators, shall take
turns to take overall responsibility in coordinating and promoting the
interests of ASEAN in its relations with the relevant Dialogue Partners,
regional and international organisations and institutions.

2. In relations with the external partners, the Country
Coordinators shall, inter alia:
(a) represent ASEAN and enhance relations on the basis
of mutual respect and equality, in conformity with
ASEAN’s principles;
(b) co-chair relevant meetings between ASEAN and
external partners; and
(c) be supported by the relevant ASEAN Committees in
Third Countries and International Organisations.

ARTICLE 43
ASEAN COMMITTEES IN THIRD COUNTRIES
AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS

1. ASEAN Committees in Third Countries may be established in
non-ASEAN countries comprising heads of diplomatic missions of
ASEAN Member States. Similar Committees may be established
relating to international organisations. Such Committees shall promote
ASEAN’s interests and identity in the host countries and international
organisations.
2. The ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting shall determine the
rules of procedure of such Committees.

ARTICLE 44
STATUS OF EXTERNAL PARTIES

1. In conducting ASEAN’s external relations, the ASEAN Foreign
Ministers Meeting may confer on an external party the formal status of
Dialogue Partner, Sectoral Dialogue Partner, Development Partner,
Special Observer, Guest, or other status that may be established
henceforth.
2. External parties may be invited to ASEAN meetings or
cooperative activities without being conferred any formal status, in
accordance with the rules of procedure.

ARTICLE 45
RELATIONS WITH THE UNITED NATIONS SYSTEM AND
OTHER INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS AND INSTITUTIONS

1. ASEAN may seek an appropriate status with the United
Nations system as well as with other sub-regional, regional,
international organisations and institutions.
2. The ASEAN Coordinating Council shall decide on the
participation of ASEAN in other sub-regional, regional, international
organisations and institutions.

ARTICLE 46
ACCREDITATION OF NON-ASEAN MEMBER STATES TO ASEAN

Non-ASEAN Member States and relevant inter-governmental
organisations may appoint and accredit Ambassadors to ASEAN. The
ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting shall decide on such accreditation.