U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says the U.S. is deeply concerned about the well-being of the North Korean people following the death of their leader Kim Jong-il.

In a statement released late Monday, local time, Clinton said the U.S.’s thoughts and prayers are with the North Korean people during these difficult times.

She added that it is the hope of the U.S. that the North’s new leadership will guide their nation on to “the path of peace” by holding to North Korea’s commitments, improving relations with neighbors and respecting its people’s rights.

Clinton added that the U.S. is ready to help Pyongyang improve conditions for its people and urged the North’s new leadership to cooperate with the international community for peace and security on the Korean Peninsula.