US President Donald Trump met with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo, the two are expected to discuss issues related to trade and defense, Agence France-Presse reported, quoted by BTA.
The two leaders shook hands at the entrance to Akasaka Palace before the meeting, which is expected to last 45 minutes. Takaichi thanked Donald Trump for his "longstanding friendship" with former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who is also her former mentor.
"I was very impressed and inspired by you", said the new Japanese Prime Minister.
For his part, Trump assured her that Washington is an ally "at the highest level" of Tokyo. This happened at a time when the United States is demanding that the archipelago increase its defense spending.
"I have always had great love and deep respect for Japan. I want to assure you that this will be a privileged relationship. We are an ally at the highest level", stressed Trump.
Takaichi, for his part, said that he wanted to open a “new golden era" in Japan-US relations as Tokyo confronts the growing military power of neighboring China, AFP notes.
Before the meeting, the Japanese newspaper "Asahi" reported that Takaichi and Trump are in the final stages of preparing a joint document to secure rare earth elements and other critical minerals and strengthen supply chains, Reuters noted.
The agreement, which the two leaders plan to sign during their meeting, is aimed at addressing economic security concerns following China's decision in October to tighten controls on exports of rare earth elements, which are crucial for a wide range of products from smartphones to fighter jets, the newspaper said, citing Japanese government officials.
In response to China's dominant role in global manufacturing, the White House initially planned to impose a 100% additional tariff on Chinese exports. But on Sunday, Washington and Beijing reached a framework agreement for a trade deal that could halt planned U.S. tariffs and Chinese controls on the export of critical minerals. Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to meet on Thursday at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea to sign off on the terms.