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In the course of a recent visit to Japan's capital, former US President Trump and the Japanese recently elected Premier Sanae Takaichi exchanged friendly compliments and pledged to strengthen the already strong bilateral relations.

Highlights from the Encounter

Donald Trump praised Prime Minister Takaichi as a ‘great’ figure and congratulated her on assuming the role of Japan's inaugural female prime minister. In their discussions at Tokyo's Akasaka Palace, Trump expressed confidence that Takaichi would become one of the ‘outstanding leaders’ of the country.

Takaichi, identified as a close associate of former Japanese leader Abe, praised Trump's initiatives to address international disputes and reportedly pledged to put forward him for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Economic and Defense Agreements

Both nations revealed a list of collaborative projects in areas such as energy, artificial intelligence, and rare earths. Japanese companies are exploring funding of up to $400 billion in the US.

Furthermore, Tokyo had previously pledged $550bn in strategic American projects, financing, and guarantees as part of an agreement to obtain relief from the former president's import duties.

These moves are seen as possibly easing any upcoming requests from Trump for Japan to boost its defense spending. Takaichi responded to this by committing to fast-track proposals to raise military budget to two percent of gross domestic product.

Other US Politics Developments

• Donald Trump left the door open to a another term, though it is legally not permitted. Trump remarked he ‘would like’ to run again but would not use a vice presidential loophole.
• A Michigan representative Tlaib responded to his statements, saying, “Under no circumstances will we allow that.”
• Gavin Newsom indicated he will decide on a White House bid after the upcoming elections.
• The head of the US largest federal workers union demanded an end to the federal closure, which is now the second longest in US history.
• Republican leader Mike Johnson blasted opposition figure Hakeem Jeffries for endorsing a candidate in the New York City mayor’s race.
• Indiana governor Mike Braun announced a legislative meeting to reconsider electoral maps.
• Opposition leaders in various states are planning map changes in reaction to GOP actions.

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

This encounter underscores the ongoing importance of the American-Japanese alliance and sets the stage for further collaboration on economic, defense, and foreign policy fronts.