Trump commends Japan PM Takaichi, says US an ‘ally at strongest level’

Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi lavished US President Donald Trump with praise and vows of a “golden age of ties” on his visit to Tokyo on Tuesday, before signing a deal with Washington aimed at securing critical minerals.

Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister, lauded Trump’s involvement in mediating conflicts and will nominate him for a Nobel Peace Prize, the White House said.

Trump, on an Asia tour that aims for a trade deal with China, reciprocated with warmth for the key partner in business and defence by saying Washington is an ally of the “strongest level”.

Takaichi greeted Trump at her prime minister’s residence in Tokyo, her first face-to-face meeting with the US leader just days after she took office.

“We are an ally at the strongest level, and it’s a great honour to be with you, especially so early in what will be, I think, one of the greatest prime ministers,” Trump told Takaichi.

She praised Trump’s efforts towards a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia and his “unprecedented historic achievement” of the Gaza deal.