U.S. President Donald Trump met with Japan’s first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, in Tokyo on Monday as part of his ongoing Asia tour, praising the new leader and reaffirming the strength of the U.S.–Japan alliance.

The two leaders held bilateral talks focused on security cooperation, economic growth, and rare earths supply chains, resulting in the signing of a new agreement aimed at securing critical minerals and expanding joint military collaboration.

Prime Minister Takaichi, who recently took office, opened the meeting by describing it as the beginning of “a new golden age of the Japan–U.S. alliance.” Trump commended her historic leadership, calling her election “a big deal” and highlighting the U.S. commitment to Japan as “an ally at the strongest level.”

“Our partnership has never been stronger,” Trump said during a joint press conference. “Together, the United States and Japan will continue to promote peace, prosperity, and security across the Indo-Pacific.”

The visit marks the second stop of Trump’s Asia tour, following a ceasefire ceremony he brokered between Thailand and Cambodia earlier in the week. Analysts say the new U.S.–Japan rare earths deal underscores both nations’ efforts to reduce dependency on Chinese supplies amid rising geopolitical competition.