Syria’s new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa congratulated US President Donald Trump on his inauguration on Monday, January 20, saying the American would “bring peace to the Middle East,” Report informs via Le Monde.

“We are confident that he is the leader to bring peace to the Middle East and restore stability to the region,” Sharaa’s administration said in a statement. “We look forward to improving the relations between our two countries based on dialogue and understanding.”