TOKYO: U.S. President Donald Trump met with Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister, in Tokyo. During their meeting, Trump praised Takaichi’s leadership and defense policies, calling them “impressive.”
The two leaders signed several important trade and mineral resource agreements, aimed at strengthening economic and security ties between the U.S. and Japan.
According to Reuters, discussions included a $550 billion investment package covering U.S. soybean and natural gas exports, car purchases, and cooperation in shipbuilding.
A new deal on rare minerals and metals was also announced, designed to reduce dependence on China. Over the next six months, both sides will identify joint projects to produce magnets, batteries, and key mineral reserves.
Takaichi said her government would increase Japan’s defense budget to 2% of GDP to strengthen national security against China’s growing military activity. Trump welcomed Japan’s decision to buy more American defense equipment.
During the meeting, Takaichi presented Trump with gifts, including a golf putter once owned by former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, a signed golf bag from Japanese star Hideki Matsuyama, and a gold golf ball. She also announced that she would nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, praising his role in peace efforts in Cambodia, Thailand, and the Middle East.
After the talks, Trump met with the families of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea and expressed America’s continued support for them.
