Hyundai Motor Company CEO José Muñoz said cooperation between Korea and overseas operations, including the United States, was essential for global success.

According to Hyundai on Tuesday, Muñoz described Korea’s expertise, innovation and skills as a “valuable asset” across Hyundai’s global businesses in a recent email to employees.

His remarks followed the U.S. immigration raid of a Hyundai-LG Energy Solution battery plant in Georgia earlier this month, where many Korean engineers had been working.

Muñoz stressed that the specialized skills and equipment needed for plant construction could not be sourced in the United States.

He also reaffirmed Hyundai’s commitment to U.S. manufacturing, citing its 15 years of operation in Georgia.

Muñoz extended consolation to the detained workers and their families and said the company was doing everything possible to ensure employee safety worldwide.