South Korea, the United States and Japan have vowed to jointly address North Korea’s artillery attack on the South’s Yeonpyeong Island and urged the North to suspend uranium enrichment efforts.

The three nations made the call in a joint statement that was issued Monday after their foreign ministers concluded talks in Washington.

On the resumption of the six-way nuclear talks, the statement reiterated that the North must show sincere efforts to improve ties with South Korea and must take substantial measures to dismantle its nuclear program in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told reporters that ahead of seeking the resumption of the six-nation talks, the North must suspend all provocative and belligerent behavior.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Kim Sung-hwan said he, Clinton and Japanese Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara agreed that the North would face serious consequences if it pursues further provocations.