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In the course of a latest visit to Japan's capital, former American leader Donald Trump and the Japanese new Premier Takaichi shared warm compliments and pledged to enhance the already strong bilateral relations.

Highlights from the Encounter

Donald Trump commended Prime Minister Takaichi as a ‘exceptional’ leader and congratulated her on assuming the role of Japan's first woman premier. During their talks at Tokyo's official venue, Trump expressed confidence that Takaichi would become one of the ‘great prime ministers’ of Japan.

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

Economic and Security Agreements

The two governments revealed a series of collaborative initiatives in sectors such as power, artificial intelligence, and rare earths. Japanese firms are considering investments of up to $400bn in the United States.

Furthermore, Japan had earlier pledged $550bn in long-term American projects, loans, and assurances as part of an agreement to secure exemption from the former president's tariffs.

These actions are seen as possibly easing any future requests from the US side for Japan to boost its defense expenditure. The prime minister addressed this by committing to accelerate proposals to raise military budget to two percent of gross domestic product.

Other Political Developments

• Donald Trump left the door open to a third term, though it is constitutionally not permitted. He stated he ‘would like’ to run again but would not exploit a vice presidential workaround.
• A Michigan representative Tlaib reacted to his comments, saying, “No way in hell we’re going to let that happen.”
• California Governor Newsom suggested he will determine on a White House bid after the upcoming elections.
• The leader of the US largest government employees union demanded an end to the federal closure, which is now the second longest in US history.
• Republican leader Mike Johnson blasted Democratic leader Jeffries for endorsing a contender in the NYC mayoral election.
• The governor of Indiana Braun announced a special session to redraw congressional districts.
• Opposition figures 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.

The encounter highlights the ongoing importance of the American-Japanese alliance and sets the stage for additional cooperation on trade, security, and foreign policy areas.