Trump, Japan PM sign ‘new golden age’ agreement

US President Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi signed two agreements early on Oct. 28, including one dubbed a “new golden age” of relations between the two countries.

The “New Golden Age” deal aims to strengthen cooperation between the longstanding allies, while a second agreement on critical minerals sets up a framework to ensure a stable supply of rare metals.

The document said both leaders would discuss details of a tariffs and investment accord at a later stage, adding that they expressed satisfaction with the swift and ongoing efforts of both countries and reaffirmed their firm commitment to implementing this historic accord.

The agreement is expected to help both nations “enhance economic security, drive growth, and sustain global prosperity.” The two sides will instruct relevant ministers to take further steps toward what they described as “a new golden age for the ever-deepening US-Japan alliance.”

“I want to just let you know anytime you have any question, any ... can do to help Japan, we will be there,” Trump said.

He described Japan as “an ally at the strongest level” of the US and praised Takaichi, who was elected last week, as “one of the greatest prime ministers,” calling her victory “a major event.”

In her first face-to-face meeting with Trump, Japan’s new prime minister described him as a partner in “a new golden age” and commended his efforts in promoting peace in the Middle East.

The minerals agreement outlines plans to identify projects of mutual interest to address gaps in the supply chains of critical and rare minerals.

It also stated that within six months, both countries intend “to take measures to provide financial support for selected projects that produce end products and deliver them to buyers in the US and Japan, and, where appropriate, to like-minded countries.”