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Article 131

The Member States agree to associate with the Community the non-European countries and territories which have special relations with Belgium , France , Italy , the Netherlands and the United Kingdom . (*) These countries and territories ( hereinafter called the " countries and territories " ) are listed in Annex IV to this Treaty .

The purpose of association shall be to promote the economic and social development of the countries and territories and to establish close economic relations between them and the Community as a whole .

In accordance with the principles set out in the Preamble to this Treaty , association shall serve primarily to further the interests and prosperity of the inhabitants of these countries and territories in order to lead them to the economic , social and cultural development to which they aspire .

(*) First sentence as amended by Article 24 ( 1 ) of the Act of Accession , modified by Article 13 of the Adaptation Decision .