By Song Sang-ho

WASHINGTON, May 17 (Yonhap) — A senior U.S. diplomat discussed economic security, supply chains and other issues with South Korean government and private-sector officials during a recent visit to Seoul, the State Department said Friday.

Assistant Secretary for Economic and Business Affairs Ramin Toloui visited South Korea as part of his multination trip from April 22 to May 3, which also took him to Japan, Vietnam, the Philippines and Singapore.

“In the Republic of Korea, he met with government counterparts and private sector representatives to discuss economic security, supply chains, and semiconductors,” the department said in a media note.

During his visit, he met with officials of SK On, a large Korean battery manufacturer with investments in the United States, it said.

His Asia swing focused on strengthening bilateral relationships and advancing trade and economic opportunities with U.S. partners, the department said.

Toloui also encouraged public and private sector participation from across the region at the Indo-Pacific Business Forum set to take place on Tuesday in Manila.