The United States has reiterated that North Korea must first improve its ties with South Korea and halt all provocations ahead of the resumption of the six-way nuclear talks.

State Department deputy spokesman Mark Toner said Thursday the two Koreas need to make a good faith effort to improve their relations and the North needs to cease its belligerent behavior.

He made the remark after being asked to comment on North Korean leader Kim Jong-il’s statement made earlier in the day in which the communist leader expressed hope for the early resumption of the six-nation talks.

Toner added that he didn’t have any updates on a visit to the North by U.S. Special Envoy for North Korean Human Rights Issues Robert King. He said Washington has not communicated with King since he’s been in Pyongyang.