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During a recent trip to Japan's capital, ex- US President Donald Trump together with Japan's recently elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi shared friendly praise and vowed to strengthen the currently strong two-way ties.

Highlights from the Encounter

Donald Trump praised Takaichi as a ‘great’ figure and congratulated her on assuming the role of Japan's first female premier. In their discussions at Tokyo's official venue, the former president voiced confidence that Takaichi would prove to be one of the ‘great prime ministers’ of Japan.

Takaichi, who is a close associate of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, praised Trump's efforts to resolve global conflicts and according to sources vowed to put forward Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Economic and Defense Agreements

Both nations revealed a list of joint initiatives in sectors such as energy, artificial intelligence, and rare earths. Japanese firms are considering investments of up to $400bn in the US.

Furthermore, Japan had earlier committed $550bn in strategic US investments, loans, and guarantees as part of an agreement to secure exemption from Trump's import duties.

Such moves are viewed as possibly easing any future demands from Trump for Japan to boost its military expenditure. The prime minister responded to this by promising to accelerate proposals to increase military budget to 2% of gross domestic product.

Other Political Updates

• Trump did not rule out to a another term, although it is constitutionally impossible. He remarked he ‘would love’ to run again but won't exploit a vice presidential workaround.
• A Michigan congresswoman Rashida Tlaib responded to Trump's comments, saying, “No way in hell we’re going to let that happen.”
• California Governor Newsom indicated he will determine on a White House bid after the 2026 midterm elections.
• The head of America’s biggest government employees union called for an end to the federal closure, which is now the second longest in American history.
• Republican leader Johnson blasted opposition figure Hakeem Jeffries for endorsing a candidate in the New York City mayor’s race.
• Indiana governor Braun declared a special session to redraw electoral maps.
• Opposition figures in several states are considering map changes in response to Republican efforts.

“Based on what I’ve heard from Shinzo and others, you are destined to be an outstanding prime minister,” Donald Trump said to the prime minister. “I also want to congratulate you on becoming the first female prime minister. This is a significant achievement,” he added.

The meeting underscores the continuing importance of the US-Japan partnership and sets the stage for further cooperation on economic, defense, and foreign policy fronts.