"We will see if Pyongyang’s message today, that it is willing to hold talks, represents the first steps along the path to denuclearization. In the meantime, the United States and the world must continue to make clear that North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs are a dead end," the statement read.
READ MORE: Pyongyang Vows to Regard Any Maritime Blockade as an Act of War
The White House stressed the existence of a broad agreement in the international community that denuclearization "must be the result of any dialogue with North Korea."
"The maximum pressure campaign must continue until North Korea denuclearizes. As [US] President [Donald] Trump has said, there is a brighter path available for North Korea if it chooses denuclearization," the statement noted.
On Friday, the United States imposed what Trump described as the "largest-ever" sanctions package on North Korea, targeting shipments of petroleum and coal. They would concern 27 transport companies, 28 ships and one person.
READ MORE: China Opposes US Korea-Related Sanctions, Urges Washington Not to Harm Relations
