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During a latest visit to Tokyo, former American leader Trump together with Japan's new Prime Minister Takaichi exchanged friendly praise and pledged to strengthen the currently strong two-way relations.

Highlights from the Encounter

Trump praised Prime Minister Takaichi as a ‘exceptional’ leader and applauded her on assuming the role of the nation's inaugural woman premier. During their discussions at Tokyo's official venue, Trump voiced confidence that Takaichi would prove to be one of the ‘outstanding leaders’ of Japan.

The prime minister, who is a protégée of former Prime Minister Abe, applauded his initiatives to resolve global conflicts and according to sources vowed to nominate him for the prestigious award.

Economic and Defense Agreements

Both governments revealed a list of collaborative projects in areas such as power, artificial intelligence, and rare earths. Japanese firms are exploring investments of up to $400bn in the United States.

Additionally, Tokyo had previously committed $550 billion in long-term US investments, loans, and guarantees as part of an arrangement to secure relief from Trump's import duties.

These moves are seen as possibly easing any future requests from the US side for Tokyo to increase its military expenditure. The prime minister responded to this by promising to accelerate proposals to increase military budget to two percent of gross domestic product.

Additional US Politics Developments

• Donald Trump did not rule out to a another term, though it is constitutionally not permitted. He remarked he ‘would love’ to run again but won't use a VP workaround.
• A Michigan congresswoman Rashida Tlaib responded to his comments, declaring, “Under no circumstances will we allow that.”
• Gavin Newsom indicated he will decide on a White House bid after the upcoming elections.
• The leader of the US largest federal workers union called for an end to the federal closure, which is now the second longest in US history.
• Republican leader Mike Johnson criticized Democratic leader Jeffries for supporting a contender in the NYC mayoral election.
• The governor of Indiana Braun announced a legislative meeting to reconsider congressional districts.
• Democratic leaders in several regions are considering map changes in reaction to GOP actions.

“Everything I know from Shinzo and others, you will be one of the great prime ministers,” 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 highlights the ongoing significance of the American-Japanese partnership and sets the stage for further collaboration on trade, defense, and diplomatic areas.