Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has nominated US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in “forging peace”. During their dinner at the White House on Monday, Netanyahu also handed a copy of the nomination letter that he sent to the prize committee.

“The President has already realised great opportunities. He forged the Abraham Accords. He’s forging peace as we speak in one country, in one region after the other. So, I want to present to you, Mr. President, the letter I sent to the Nobel Prize Committee. It’s nominating you for the Peace Prize, which is well deserved, and you should get it,” Netanyahu told the US President.

He also praised Trump’s efforts to pursue peace and security, especially in the Middle East.

“I want to express the appreciation and admiration not only of all Israelis, but of the Jewish people and many, many admirers around the world, for your leadership, your leadership of the free world, your leadership of a just cause, and the pursuit of peace and security which you are leading in many lands, but now especially in the Middle East. President has an extraordinary team, and I think our teams together make an extraordinary combination to meet challenges and seize opportunities,” the Israeli leader said.

Trump, who has long described himself as a “peacemaker,” appeared to be surprised by the nomination.

Thanking Netanyahu, he said, “This I did not know. Wow, thank you very much. Coming from you in particular, this is very meaningful.”