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During a recent trip to Japan's capital, former US President Trump together with the Japanese new Prime Minister Takaichi exchanged friendly compliments and vowed to enhance the already robust two-way relations.

Key Points from the Encounter

Donald Trump commended Prime Minister Takaichi as a ‘great’ figure and applauded her on becoming the nation's first female premier. In their talks at Tokyo's Akasaka Palace, Trump expressed confidence that she would prove to be one of the ‘outstanding leaders’ of the country.

The prime minister, identified as a protégée of late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, applauded Trump's initiatives to address international conflicts and reportedly vowed to put forward him for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Trade and Security Agreements

Both nations revealed a series of joint projects in areas such as energy, artificial intelligence, and rare earths. Japanese firms are exploring funding of up to $400bn in the US.

Furthermore, Tokyo had earlier pledged $550bn in strategic US investments, loans, and guarantees as part of an agreement to secure relief from the former president's import duties.

These moves are seen as possibly easing any upcoming demands from the US side for Tokyo to increase its military expenditure. The prime minister addressed this by promising to accelerate plans to raise military budget to two percent of gross domestic product.

Other Political Developments

• Trump did not rule out to a another term, although it is legally impossible. He remarked he ‘would like’ to serve again but won't use a vice presidential loophole.
• A Michigan congresswoman Rashida Tlaib reacted to his statements, saying, “Under no circumstances will we allow that.”
• California Governor Newsom indicated he will decide on a 2028 presidential run after the upcoming elections.
• The leader of the US biggest federal workers union demanded an end to the government shutdown, which is currently the second-longest in American history.
• Republican leader Mike Johnson blasted Democratic leader Jeffries for supporting a candidate in the NYC mayoral election.
• The governor of Indiana Braun declared a special session to redraw congressional districts.
• Opposition leaders in various states are considering redistricting in reaction to Republican actions.

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

The encounter underscores the continuing significance of the American-Japanese alliance and sets the stage for additional collaboration on economic, security, and foreign policy fronts.