ASEAN has collaborated with partner countries around the world. The existence of potential cooperative relations between ASEAN and its partners plays an important role in supporting regional economic progress.

The existence of effective cooperation between ASEAN and its partner countries also functions to face and resolve global issues. So, it can create a peaceful, safe, stable, and prosperous region.

Until now, several partner countries have collaborated with ASEAN. Each collaboration has produced different agreements to support and advance the common interests of each country in the region.

The following countries are important partners for ASEAN:

Japan

At the 26th ASEAN-Japan Summit, they agreed to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership in concrete, mutually beneficial cooperation. ASEAN and Japan agreed to strengthen cooperation opportunities on the ASEAN Infrastructure Fund and the ASEAN Catalytic Green Finance Facility. Both are important in supporting green infrastructure connectivity, with an investment opportunity of US$184 billion.

Republic of Korea

The Republic of Korea is a future partner for ASEAN, especially regarding energy transition and digital transformation. Previously, ASEAN and ROK had collaborated in all fields, one of which was Politics and Security through opening access to the "Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC)".

People's Republic of China

China is a strategic ASEAN dialogue partner. In 2023, ASEAN's bilateral relationship with China enters its 20th year and has produced a Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC).

Australia

The 3rd ASEAN-Australia Summit resulted in an agreement to strengthen food security cooperation. ASEAN-Australia is committed to collaborating on rapid action to strengthen food and nutrition security in response to the crisis.

India

The Indian Ocean waters in Indonesia and India are interpreted as a sea of cooperation. The Indian Ocean connects as many as 33 countries, a population of around 2.9 billion people, and one-fifth of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). ASEAN and India can establish much potential for cooperation, including in the blue economy sector, maritime connectivity, and sustainable marine energy resources.

Canada

Cooperation between ASEAN and Canada focuses on accelerating the journey towards Net Zero and ensuring long-term food security. The hope is that bilateral relations between ASEAN and Canada can reduce trade barriers and enable Canadian companies to support infrastructure, technology, and investment to help ASEAN achieve its carbon emission reduction targets.

United States of America (USA)

ASEAN-USA is committed to engaging in substantive, practical, and real cooperation following the ASEAN vision, "Epicentrum of Growth", through practical projects in four priority areas of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), namely: cooperation in the field of maritime; connectivity; sustainable development; and economics.

UN

ASEAN acts as a multilateral institution that can bridge differences and build understanding. ASEAN-UN cooperation is carried out to maintain peace and overcome important regional issues. One of them is the Myanmar issue.

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