Trump praised Takaichi on Tuesday, saying he would be a “great” leader, while the prime minister said he intended to nominate the US president for the Nobel Peace Prize, the White House said.
Takaichi, a close ally of the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who was Trump’s friend and golfing partner, also plans to offer an investment package to the United States under a $550 billion deal reached this year, Reuters reported.
In addition to shipbuilding, this includes increased purchases of U.S. soybeans, natural gas and pickup trucks, the agency reported, citing people familiar with the discussions.
Such a stance could soften Trump’s calls for Tokyo to increase spending to protect the island from an increasingly assertive China, which Takaichi sought to thwart last week by pledging to fast-track a plan to increase defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product.
“It’s a very strong handshake,” Trump said as the two posed for a photo at the Akasaka Imperial Villa in downtown Tokyo.
“From what I’ve heard from Mr. Shinzo and others, you’re going to be one of the great prime ministers. And I want to congratulate you on becoming the first female prime minister. This is a big deal,” President Trump said during his meeting with Takaichi.
According to a photo posted to X by Trump’s assistant Margo Martin, Takaichi gave Abe’s putter, a golf bag autographed by Japanese major champion Hideki Matsuyama, and a golf ball stamped with gold foil.
MNA