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During a latest visit to Japan's capital, ex- US President Donald Trump and the Japanese new Premier Sanae Takaichi exchanged warm praise and vowed to strengthen the currently strong two-way ties.

Highlights from the Encounter

Donald Trump praised Prime Minister Takaichi as a ‘exceptional’ leader and applauded her on assuming the role of Japan's inaugural female premier. During their discussions at the capital's official venue, the former president expressed confidence that she would become one of the ‘great prime ministers’ of the country.

Takaichi, identified as a close associate of late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, applauded Trump's efforts to resolve international conflicts and according to sources pledged to put forward him for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Trade and Defense Agreements

The two nations announced a list of collaborative initiatives in sectors such as power, AI, and critical minerals. Japanese firms are exploring investments of up to $400bn in the United States.

Additionally, Tokyo had previously pledged $550bn in strategic American projects, financing, and guarantees as part of an arrangement to secure relief from the former president's tariffs.

These moves are seen as possibly easing any future requests from Trump for Japan to increase its defense expenditure. The prime minister addressed this by committing to fast-track plans to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP.

Other Political Updates

• Donald Trump left the door open to a another term, although it is legally impossible. Trump remarked he ‘would like’ to run again but won't use a VP workaround.
• Michigan representative Rashida Tlaib reacted to his statements, declaring, “Under no circumstances will we allow that.”
• California Governor Newsom suggested he will determine on a White House bid after the upcoming elections.
• The leader of America’s biggest government employees union demanded an end to the federal closure, which is currently the second-longest in US history.
• House Speaker Johnson blasted Democratic leader Jeffries for endorsing a candidate in the New York City mayor’s race.
• Indiana governor Braun announced a special session to reconsider electoral maps.
• Democratic figures in several states are considering redistricting in response to Republican efforts.

“Everything I know from Shinzo and others, you will be one of the great prime ministers,” Trump told the prime minister. “I also want to congratulate you on becoming the first female prime minister. This is a significant achievement,” he continued.

The meeting highlights the ongoing significance of the American-Japanese partnership and paves the way for additional collaboration on economic, security, and foreign policy fronts.