The United States and Japan are set to further strengthen their security alliance, Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced Tuesday in what she hopes will be a “new golden age” in bilateral relations.
Trump told Takaichi she would be “one of the most outstanding prime ministers” and the U.S. would be “an ally at the strongest level.”
“According to everything I know from Shinzo and others, you will be one of the most outstanding prime ministers. I would also like to congratulate you on becoming the first female prime minister. This is an important undertaking,” Trump told Takaichi as the pair sat down for a discussion with their delegations at Tokyo’s Akasaka Palace.
The leaders signed an agreement to secure supplies of critical minerals and rare earth elements they consider “critical to the domestic industries of the United States and Japan.”
Takaichi informed Trump that she had nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize. The move has become a common tactic to flatter Trump, especially when trade agreements are on the table.
Takaichi gave Trump a club belonging to slain Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and a golf bag signed by golf star Hideki Matsuyama.
Trump will also visit U.S. troops stationed in Japan before travelling to South Korea on Wednesday.