ASEAN Charter calls for ASEAN to develop friendly relations and mutually beneficial dialogue cooperation and partnerships with countries and sub-regional, regional and international organisations and institutions. ASEAN External Relations sets out the framework for ASEAN to widen and deepen its relations with external parties through the conferment of the formal status of Dialogue Partner (DPs), Sectoral Dialogue Partner (SDPs) and Development Partner.

ASEAN continues to be the primary driving force in fostering regional collaboration and maintaining its central role in regional cooperation mechanisms. 

Under the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, the ASEAN Political-Security Community Blueprint 2025, section C.2. also highlights the importance for ASEAN to deepen cooperation with Dialogue Partners, strengthen engagement with other external parties, reach out to new potential partners for mutually beneficial relations, and to respond collectively and constructively to global developments.