The United States and Japan on Tuesday signed an agreement for securing supplies of critical minerals and rare earths, amid President Donald Trump’s visit to Tokyo.

The deal comes as the United States tries to boost access to critical minerals, with China tightening controls on rare earths.

Before signing the deal, Donald Trump warmly greeted the new Japanese Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, and complimented her over their handshake, saying, “That’s a very strong handshake."

Trump also called her role as Japan’s first woman Prime Minister a “big deal", putting an emphasis on the US commitment to Japan.

“Anything I can do to help Japan, we will be there," Trump said.

“We are an ally at the strongest level," he added.

“Everything I know from (late Japan ese Prime Minister) Shinzo Abe

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