A screenshot of the statement issued by the Director-general Audrey Azoulay

Director-general of the UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, expressed deep regret for "President Donald Trump's decision to once again withdraw the United States of America from UNESCO," and noted the US' decision "contradicts the fundamental principles of multilateralism," in a statement the UNESCO sent to the Global Times in an email on Tuesday night.

The US announced Tuesday it will again pull out of the UN's educational, scientific and cultural agency because of what Washington sees as its anti-Israel bias, only two years after rejoining, AP reported.

In her statement, Azoulay said the US decision may affect UNESCO's partners in the US seeking site inscription on the World Heritage List, Creativity City status, and University Chairs.

Azoulay said the US announcement was "anticipated" and that UNESCO has prepared for it. 

Trump previously withdrew from UNESCO in 2017. Azoulay stated that the reasons given for the 2025 withdrawal were "the same as seven years ago." 

The US State Department said in a that "UNESCO's decision to admit the 'State of Palestine' as a member state is highly problematic, contrary to US policy, and contributed to the proliferation of anti-Israel rhetoric within the organization."

The US' claim contradicted "the reality of UNESCO's efforts," Azoulay said in her statement. Embracing all the nations of the world is the UNESCO's aim, and the US "is and will be welcomed again" despite its decision, she said.

"We will continue to work hand in hand with all of our American partners in the private sector, academia and non-profit organizations, and will pursue political dialogue with the US administration and Congress," Azoulay said in the statement.