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In the course of a latest trip to Tokyo, ex- American leader Donald Trump together with Japan's recently elected Premier Sanae Takaichi exchanged friendly praise and vowed to enhance the already robust two-way ties.

Highlights from the Encounter

Trump praised Prime Minister Takaichi as a ‘exceptional’ figure and applauded her on assuming the role of the nation's inaugural woman prime minister. In their talks at the capital's Akasaka Palace, the former president expressed optimism that Takaichi would become one of the ‘outstanding leaders’ of the country.

Takaichi, identified as a protégée of late Prime Minister Abe, praised his initiatives to resolve global disputes and reportedly vowed to nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Economic and Security Agreements

The two nations revealed a list of joint projects in areas such as energy, artificial intelligence, and rare earths. Japan-based firms are considering funding of up to $400 billion in the US.

Furthermore, Japan had previously committed $550 billion in strategic American projects, loans, and guarantees as part of an arrangement to obtain relief from the former president's import duties.

These actions are seen as potentially reducing any future requests from Trump for Tokyo to boost its defense expenditure. The prime minister addressed this by promising to fast-track proposals to raise military budget to two percent of gross domestic product.

Other US Politics Updates

• Donald Trump did not rule out to a another term, though it is constitutionally not permitted. He stated he ‘would like’ to run again but would not use a VP workaround.
• Michigan congresswoman Tlaib reacted to Trump's statements, saying, “Under no circumstances will we allow that.”
• Gavin Newsom suggested he will determine on a 2028 presidential run after the upcoming elections.
• The leader of the US biggest federal workers union demanded an end to the federal closure, which is now the second-longest in American history.
• Republican leader Mike Johnson blasted Democratic leader Jeffries for supporting a contender in the NYC mayoral election.
• The governor of Indiana Braun declared a legislative meeting to redraw congressional districts.
• Opposition figures in several regions are planning map changes in reaction to GOP efforts.

“Based on what I’ve heard from Shinzo and others, you are destined to be an outstanding prime minister,” Trump told Takaichi. “I’d also like to congratulate you on being the first woman prime minister. It’s a big deal,” he continued.

The encounter highlights the ongoing significance of the American-Japanese partnership and paves the way for further collaboration on economic, security, and foreign policy areas.