WASHINGTON: The United States respects every country’s sovereign right to associating groupings of its own choosing, the State Department spokesperson said here on Tuesday.

Responding to a question about the ongoing Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Islamabad, the spokesperson added that the US encourages every country to ensure that its participation in multilateral foram upholds and respects international law and reaffirms the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of all nations.

To another question about Pakistan’s demand to the UN Security Council to investigate theft and illicit sale of nuclear materials in India, the spokesperson said, “We are aware of Pakistan’s request to the UN Security Council,” adding, “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.”