The phrase "foreign associates" refers to people or organizations from another country that have a connection or partnership with someone or something in a different country. Full definition
Served as a liaison with foreign associates regarding the maintenance of foreign trademark matters. (jobhero.com)
Dr. Cannon is a Professional Engineer, a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, a fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering and an elected foreign associate of the National Academy of Engineering. (bher.ca)
The IOM also announced that five scientists were elected to senior membership and five were elected as foreign associates. (sciencemag.org)