The United States has acknowledged Pakistan's right to align with any regional groups but stressed the need for such associations to respect global norms and sovereignty.
The statement, issued on Tuesday, came as Pakistan hosted the high-profile SCO summit in Islamabad, featuring key players like Russia, China, India, Iran, and key Central Asian states.
In a press briefing, US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller reiterated Washington's stance on the importance of compliance with international standards, stating, "The United States respects each country's sovereign right to associating groupings of its own choosing."
He added, "We will encourage every country to ensure that its participation in multilateral fora upholds and respects international law and reaffirms the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of all nations."
The remarks followed Pakistan's recent concerns at the UNSC over nuclear proliferation risks in India.
Addressing this issue, Miller noted, "We are aware of Pakistan's request to the UN Security Council. We are committed to tracking, developing, and implementing effective policy responses to proliferation threats, and we will continue to work with our partners to shape international security."
Pakistan's concerns were raised after Indian police arrested three individuals in Bihar in August for allegedly possessing 50 grams of radioactive californium, valued at over $100 million, according to the Times of India.
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