South Korea has expressed interest in joining a $44 billion gas pipeline project in Alaska through a trilateral partnership with the United States and Japan.

Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun signaled South Korea's interest in participating in the Alaska gas project via trilateral cooperation during a visit to Washington, D.C., last month, Yonhap reported, citing unnamed government sources.

According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, during the trip, Ahn met with senior U.S. officials, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Interior Secretary, and Doug Burgum, co-chair of the White House National Energy Dominance Council.

The visit was part of Seoul’s efforts to secure tariff exemptions from the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump and to enhance bilateral cooperation with Washington.

The industry ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the pipeline report.

South Korea is the world’s third-largest importer of liquefied natural gas, trailing only China and Japan.

Last month, Japan also expressed willingness to support the Alaska pipeline to foster ties with Trump and mitigate potential trade tensions.