Post by : Raina
Al-Fahim
US President Donald Trump’s Asia visit took a diplomatic turn when Japan indicated it would move to nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize. In Tokyo on Monday, Mr. Trump met Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at Akasaka Palace and both leaders signed a significant pact on critical minerals and rare earths to deepen economic and strategic cooperation.
The White House said Japan has expressed intent to submit a nomination, citing Mr. Trump’s recent peace-related initiatives in Asia and the Middle East. Tokyo has yet to issue an official government confirmation, but the announcement adds to Mr. Trump’s growing list of international endorsements.
At their joint appearance, Prime Minister Takaichi lauded the US president’s diplomatic role, noting his involvement in the negotiations between Thailand and Cambodia and his contribution to a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict. She described the Middle East breakthrough as an unprecedented achievement.
Described commonly as a key US ally in the region, Japan stressed the value of close ties with Washington under the current US administration. Officials said the newly signed rare earths agreement aims to reinforce global supply chains and lessen dependence on strategic competitors.
Mr. Trump’s hopes for a Nobel prize have attracted several formal nominations in recent months, with Israel, Pakistan, Cambodia and Thailand among those that have put his name forward, citing his mediation efforts and diplomatic outcomes. The former president has repeatedly portrayed himself as a peacemaker, crediting his diplomacy with easing conflicts such as the Gaza war and tensions along the India-Pakistan border.
The Asia trip began in Malaysia, where Mr. Trump took part in the ASEAN Summit and helped facilitate a peace accord between Thailand and Cambodia. Following the Tokyo visit, his itinerary continues to South Korea for the APEC summit.
While in Seoul, Mr. Trump is scheduled for a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, a session closely watched amid ongoing US-China trade frictions. The agenda is expected to address trade ties, regional security and ways to stabilise economic relations.
As nominations accumulate during the tour, they underscore Mr. Trump’s attempt to recast US diplomacy through direct engagement and negotiated deals. Whether these endorsements will translate into an actual Nobel award remains uncertain.
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