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During a latest visit to Tokyo, former US President Donald Trump together with Japan's recently elected Premier Sanae Takaichi shared warm compliments and vowed to enhance the currently strong two-way ties.

Key Points from the Encounter

Donald Trump commended Prime Minister Takaichi as a ‘exceptional’ leader and applauded her on becoming the nation's inaugural woman premier. In their discussions at Tokyo's official venue, Trump expressed optimism that Takaichi would prove to be one of the ‘great prime ministers’ of Japan.

Takaichi, identified as a close associate of late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, praised Trump's initiatives to address global disputes and according to sources vowed to nominate Trump for the prestigious award.

Trade and Security Agreements

The two nations revealed a series of collaborative projects in areas such as power, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals. Japanese companies are considering funding of up to $400bn in the US.

Furthermore, Tokyo had previously pledged $550bn in long-term American projects, loans, and assurances as part of an arrangement to secure relief from the former president's import duties.

Such moves are viewed as possibly reducing any future demands from Trump for Tokyo to boost its military spending. The prime minister addressed this by committing to fast-track plans to raise military budget to two percent of GDP.

Additional Political Updates

• Trump left the door open to a third term, though it is legally impossible. Trump stated he ‘would love’ to serve again but would not exploit a VP loophole.
• A Michigan representative Rashida Tlaib responded to his comments, declaring, “No way in hell we’re going to let that happen.”
• Gavin Newsom suggested he will determine on a White House bid after the upcoming elections.
• The head of the US biggest government employees union called for an end to the government shutdown, 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.
• The governor of Indiana Braun declared a special session to reconsider electoral maps.
• Democratic figures in several states are considering redistricting in reaction to GOP efforts.

“Everything I know from Shinzo and others, you will be one of the great prime ministers,” Trump told the prime minister. “I’d also like to congratulate you on being the first woman prime minister. It’s a big deal,” he added.

This meeting underscores the continuing importance of the American-Japanese alliance and sets the stage for additional collaboration on economic, defense, and diplomatic areas.