The United States has restated that no US territory can become a member of an international organization.

A senior US official Matt Mathews made the comment to American Samoa's KHJ News after Governor Lolo Moliga explored closer ties with the Pacific Island Forum and the Polynesian Leaders Group.

Lolo noted that the French Pacific territories are now full Forum members and therefore eligible for international funding support.

Mr Mathews said the rules for US territories were clear.

"Territories of the United States for which the United States provides security and foreign policy cannot be full members of international organizations that require that independent role. They are in fact territories of the United States."