The European Union (EU) is hailing the results of the third round of high-level talks between the United States and North Korea.

EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton said Thursday that the EU welcomes the fact that the North agreed to a moratorium on its nuclear tests, long-range missile launches, and uranium enrichment program during the talks.

Ashton said if those agreements are thoroughly implemented, they would mark the first steps toward a proper direction.

She added that the EU is prepared to cooperate with the North and the international community to establish permanent peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

France’s foreign ministry also hailed the results of the U.S.-North Korea talks, saying the dialogue yielded encouraging progress. It stressed that substantial measures must follow.