Upon arriving in New York, Lee met with BlackRock CEO Larry Fink to discuss cooperation on artificial intelligence (AI), according to Ha Jung-woo, a presidential adviser on AI.
Fink expressed his intention to "actively cooperate" by leveraging global capital to help South Korea become the "AI capital" of Asia, and Lee welcomed the proposal, stressing the importance of producing substantial outcomes.
During the meeting, the Ministry of Science and ICT and BlackRock signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to promote global cooperation in the AI industry. The MOU covers collaboration on infrastructure for AI and renewable energy, as well as joint efforts to make an integrated approach to meet the rapidly growing AI demand in South Korea.
"BlackRock is the world's largest asset management firm, currently handling $12.5 trillion, or approximately 1,700 trillion Korean won," the presidential office here explained, expressing expectations for a massive investment, although specific details were not disclosed.
On Tuesday, Lee is scheduled to deliver a keynote speech at the assembly's 80th session, declaring the "return of a democratic [South Korea]" from a political turmoil caused by disgraced former President Yoon Suk Yeol's botched Dec. 3 declaration of martial law late last year.
He also plans to present the country's diplomatic vision and goals, along with key policies and measures to contribute to peace and security on the Korean Peninsula.
No plans have been made for talks with U.S. President Donald Trump this time, although the two leaders may bump into each other.
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