Washington DC, July 22 -- The US on Tuesday announced its withdrawal from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, or UNESCO, citing misalignment with national interests.

"Today, the United States informed Director-General Audrey Azoulay of the United States' decision to withdraw from UNESCO. Continued involvement in UNESCO is not in the national interest of the United States," a statement from the US Department of State Spokesperson Tammy Bruce read.

According to a statement, the withdrawal was made over concerns about the organisation's alleged focus on divisive agendas and its admission of the "State of Palestine" as a member state.

The US Department of State Spokesperson described the admission as "high...