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In the course of a latest visit to Tokyo, ex- American leader Donald Trump and Japan's recently elected Premier Takaichi exchanged warm compliments and vowed to strengthen the currently robust bilateral ties.

Highlights from the Encounter

Trump commended Takaichi as a ‘exceptional’ leader and applauded her on becoming the nation's inaugural female premier. In their discussions at Tokyo's Akasaka Palace, the former president expressed confidence that she would prove to be one of the ‘outstanding leaders’ of Japan.

Takaichi, who is a protégée of late Japanese leader Shinzo Abe, applauded his initiatives to address international conflicts and according to sources pledged to nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Trade and Defense Deals

Both governments revealed a list of joint initiatives in areas such as energy, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals. Japanese firms are exploring funding of up to $400bn in the United States.

Additionally, Japan had previously pledged $550 billion in long-term American projects, loans, and guarantees as part of an arrangement to obtain relief from the former president's tariffs.

Such moves are viewed as possibly easing any upcoming demands from Trump for Tokyo to boost its military spending. Takaichi addressed this by promising to accelerate proposals to raise military budget to 2% of GDP.

Additional US Politics Developments

• Donald Trump did not rule out to a third term, though it is constitutionally not permitted. He stated he ‘would like’ to run again but won't exploit a VP workaround.
• A Michigan representative Rashida Tlaib reacted to his comments, declaring, “Under no circumstances will we allow that.”
• California Governor Newsom indicated he will decide on a White House bid after the upcoming elections.
• The head of America’s largest federal workers union called for an end to the federal closure, which is currently the second-longest in US history.
• Republican leader Johnson criticized opposition figure Jeffries for supporting a contender in the NYC mayoral election.
• Indiana governor Braun declared a legislative meeting to redraw electoral maps.
• Opposition leaders in various states are considering map changes in reaction to Republican actions.

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

This encounter highlights the ongoing importance of the US-Japan partnership and paves the way for further cooperation on economic, defense, and diplomatic fronts.