By Catherine Lucey, Yoshiaki Nohara and Sakura Murakami

President Donald Trump hailed the U.S.’ alliance with Japan, reaffirming ties with a longstanding partner and praising new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on her plans to ratchet up defense spending as the pair met in Tokyo.

“I want to just let you know anytime you have any question, any doubt, anything you want, any favors you need, anything I can do to help Japan, we will be there,” Trump said. “We are an ally at the strongest level.”

Trump also offered optimism that the two sides had overcome their trade disputes.

“We’re going to do tremendous trade together, I think, more than ever before,” Trump said, adding that he hoped the U.S.-Japan relationship would be “stronger than ever before.”

The meeting is a high-stakes test for Ta

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