SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won discussed ways to create a semiconductor and artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem with visiting U.S. senators in Seoul, Korea. They also agreed to maintain cooperation on energy security including batteries.

Choi met with seven U.S. senators including Bill Hagerty, at SK Group’s Seorin Office Building in Jongno-gu, Seoul, to talk about ways to promote bilateral economic cooperation, according to SK Group on Sept. 4.

Among them, republicans were Bill Hegarty (Tennessee), John Thune (South Dakota), Dan Sullivan (Alaska), Kate Britt (Alabama), and Eric Schmidt (Missouri), and democrats Chris Coons (Delaware) and Gary Peters (Michigan).

“SK Group is building semiconductor ecosystems in both Korea and the United States,” said Chey, emphasizing that his company can contribute to strengthening both countries’ AI leadership in the world.

“SK’s energy business is also growing on a global scale,” Chey said. “The energy business, including batteries, is very important not only for both economies but also for their security.”

The U.S. senators also expressed hope that the two countries would continue to cooperate in many sectors. “Our relationship is based on strong trust in all areas including the U.S.-Korea alliance,” they said. “Korean companies, including SK, play an increasingly important role in the development of both countries. We will continue to support SK’s activities, which will contribute significantly to the win-win growth of the two countries and even the three countries including Japan and the prosperity of the world.”