Tokyo, Oct 28 (NationPress) Highlighting that the partnership between Japan and the United States has evolved into "the greatest alliance in the world", Japan's newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Tuesday committed to collaborate with visiting US President Donald Trump to initiate a "new golden era" of cooperation between the two nations.

During their meeting in Tokyo on Monday for the Japan-US Summit, Trump and Takaichi finalized several agreements aimed at enhancing collaboration in defense and economic sectors.

Among these was the 'United States-Japan Framework For Securing the Supply of Critical Minerals and Rare Earths through Mining and Processing', designed to ensure a steady supply of both raw and processed critical minerals and rare earths that are essential for the domestic industries of both the United States and Japan.

According to a statement from the White House, "The Participants are intensifying their cooperative efforts to accelerate the secure supply of critical minerals and rare earths necessary to support domestic industries, including advanced technologies and their respective industrial bases," leveraging policy tools such as financial support mechanisms, trade measures when appropriate, and critical minerals stockpiling systems.

The statement also indicated that both nations will enhance their dialogue among upstream and downstream companies to facilitate supply chain diversification.

After the meeting, Takaichi remarked, "I held a summit meeting and a signing ceremony with President Trump of the United States. I expressed my determination to restore robust Japanese diplomacy with the Japan-US Alliance as its cornerstone. President Trump and I agreed to strongly advance a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIPC)."

Takaichi commended Trump for his notable contributions to peace in the Middle East and his role in resolving conflicts between Thailand and Cambodia, labeling these as "unprecedented historic achievements."

Trump reciprocated the sentiment, stating, "I have always had a great love of Japan, and a great respect for Japan... anything I can do to help Japan, we will be there. We are an ally at the strongest level."

The US President arrived in Tokyo on Monday afternoon for a two-day official visit, marking the second leg of his three-nation tour in Asia.

After arriving, Trump met with Emperor Naruhito and also engaged with families of abduction victims alongside Prime Minister Takaichi.

In a welcoming gesture, Japan's iconic landmarks, including Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, were illuminated with special lighting inspired by the star-spangled banner.

This visit marks Trump's fourth trip to Japan as President, and his first since June 2019.

Japan's Foreign Ministry previously stated, "President Trump's visit to Japan is an extremely meaningful opportunity to further strengthen the Japan-US alliance, and the Government of Japan wholeheartedly welcomes President Trump's visit to Japan."

On October 25, while attending ASEAN-related Summit Meetings in Kuala Lumpur, Takaichi had a telephone conversation with Trump where they reaffirmed their commitment to elevate the Japan-US alliance to even greater heights.

Takaichi emphasized that enhancing the Japan-US alliance was a top priority for Japan's foreign and security policies.

She also conveyed to Trump that Japan is a vital partner of the United States in the Indo-Pacific region and expressed her desire to work together towards achieving a 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific' (FOIP). Takaichi also acknowledged Trump's leadership in recently securing agreements in the Middle East, as reported by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs following their conversation.

Trump acknowledged Takaichi as a "great friend" of the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who was tragically killed during a campaign speech in 2022.

He commented, "Abe was a great friend of mine, as you know. He liked her a lot. She liked him a lot. So that's a good sign. I look forward to meeting her."

According to Kyodo News, Takaichi's focus on enhancing Japan's defense capabilities and strengthening cooperation with the United States in strategic domains is expected to resonate well with Trump.

Sources indicate that cooperation in shipbuilding is among the various agreements set to be signed by Japan and the United States before Trump continues his journey to South Korea on Wednesday morning. The Trump administration has committed to restoring US shipbuilding capacity in light of China's rising dominance in the industry. Collaborative efforts to improve supply chains for critical minerals essential for high-tech industries and to increase imports of US agricultural products to Japan have also formed part of a trade agreement reached between the two allies this past summer after extensive negotiations prompted by Trump's high tariffs.

To underscore the strength of their longstanding alliance, Takaichi is scheduled to accompany Trump aboard Marine One for a visit to a US naval base near Tokyo and to tour the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier George Washington.