The Bangkok Declaration stated the seven aims and purposes of ASEAN, as follows:
1. To promote active collaboration and mutual assistance on matters of common interest in the economic, social, technical,scientific and administrative field.
2. To promote regional peace and stability.
3. To accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region.
4. To enhance the well-being and quality of life of the ASEAN people.
5. To provide assistance to one other in the form of training and research facilities in the educational, professional, technical and administrative spheres.
6. To collaborate more effectively for the greater utilization of agriculture and industries, and the expansion of trade, including the improvement of transportation and communication systems.
7. To collectively maintain close ties with other nations, and international
Including regional organizations with similar aims.
In 1971, the founding members of ASEAN establihed the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, Indonesia, as a base for member nations.
Presently, there are ten member countries in ASEAN. The only country in the region that is not a member is the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste;this is because Timor-Leste only become a sovereign state in 2002.