
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has expressed her intention to nominate US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, White House spokeswoman Caroline Levitt told reporters, confirming earlier reports in Japanese media citing a government source.
The Nobel Peace Prize is a fervent desire of the Republican US president, who claims to have ended several armed conflicts around the world since returning to the White House.
“In such a short period of time, the world has begun to enjoy more peace,” Japan’s newly elected prime minister told the U.S. president during their meeting. “You, Mr. President, impress and inspire me,” added Sanae Takaichi.
Sanae Takaichi thanked Donald Trump for his "lasting friendship" with the late former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who was her mentor. "I was impressed and inspired by you," she told Trump.
For his part, the US president assured the Japanese prime minister that Washington is an ally of Tokyo "at the highest level", at a time when the US is putting pressure on Japan to increase its defense spending.
"I have always had great love and respect for Japan. I want to assure you that this will be a privileged relationship. We are allies at the highest level," Trump said.
The Japanese Prime Minister stressed that she wants to usher in a new "golden era" in relations between the two countries.