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During a latest trip to Japan's capital, former American leader Donald Trump and the Japanese recently elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi shared friendly praise and vowed to enhance the already robust bilateral relations.

Highlights from the Encounter

Donald Trump praised Takaichi as a ‘great’ leader and applauded her on becoming Japan's first female premier. In their talks at the capital's Akasaka Palace, the former president voiced optimism that she would become one of the ‘outstanding leaders’ of Japan.

Takaichi, who is a close associate of late Japanese leader Shinzo Abe, praised Trump's efforts to resolve global conflicts and reportedly vowed to put forward Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Economic and Security Deals

The two governments announced a list of collaborative projects in sectors such as energy, artificial intelligence, and rare earths. Japan-based firms are exploring investments of up to $400bn in the US.

Furthermore, Tokyo had previously pledged $550 billion in strategic US investments, loans, and guarantees as part of an arrangement to obtain relief from the former president's import duties.

These moves are viewed as possibly easing any upcoming requests from Trump for Tokyo to increase its military spending. The prime minister responded to this by committing to fast-track proposals to raise military budget to two percent of GDP.

Additional Political Updates

• Donald Trump did not rule out to a third term, though it is constitutionally impossible. He remarked he ‘would like’ to run again but won't use a vice presidential loophole.
• Michigan congresswoman Rashida Tlaib reacted to Trump's comments, saying, “Under no circumstances will we allow that.”
• Gavin Newsom suggested he will determine on a 2028 presidential run after the upcoming elections.
• The head of America’s biggest government employees union called for an end to the government shutdown, which is now the second-longest in American history.
• House Speaker Mike Johnson blasted Democratic leader Jeffries for endorsing a contender in the New York City mayor’s race.
• The governor of Indiana Mike Braun announced a legislative meeting to reconsider electoral maps.
• Opposition leaders in various states are considering map changes 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 continued.

This encounter underscores the continuing importance of the US-Japan partnership and sets the stage for further collaboration on economic, defense, and diplomatic fronts.