The mission operates in a political landscape in which partner organizations play a vital and even indispensable role. It falls on the MLT to ensure that relations with partner organizations are managed in such a way that enables constructive outcomes.

The MLT will also need to establish good and enduring working relationships with a range of important international and regional actors, such as diplomatic missions and bilateral donors, most notably the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the European Union; countries providing non-UN military and police contingents under separate arrangements; international organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross; and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The MLT should invest in these relations on a long-term basis in order to align efforts and draw on external competencies and capabilities.

There are several ways in which the MLT, and in particular the HoM, play the coordinating role of the international community at the national level. For instance, in the context of UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks the SRSG or DSRSG-RC/HC co-chairs the Joint Steering Committee with the relevant host-state minister, as well as on the thematic committees. In addition, in some cases the mission may support other ongoing political negotiations led by regional organizations.