Frank-Walter Steinmeier was elected as Germany’s next president by an overwhelming majority.

Steinmeier, who strongly criticized President Donald Trump in the past, predicted “difficulties” in relations with the United States, Bloomberg reported.

Steinmeier, who served as foreign minister under Chancellor Angela Merkel, was elected to the mostly ceremonial post by a special parliamentary assembly. He was elected with 931 of 1,260 votes.

Responding a question about improving relations with Russia, Steinmeier said that the world was confronting a “complete re-ordering of international relations.”

“In the past, we were always certain that we would have more difficult negotiating partners in the east,” Steinmeier told broadcaster ZDF. “Suddenly we’re confronted with a situation in which we’ll at the very least deal with uncertainty and also difficulties in trans-Atlantic relations.”

Though the Germany president has a little political or policymaking power, the position is considered an important moral authority. Steinmeier will be President Trump’s counterpart, according to protocol.

Chancellor Angela Merkel congratulated Steinmeier. She believes that he would be an excellent president and would have the support of the vast majority of the people, The Independent reported. “This is a good day for Germany,” Merkel said.

Moreover, Russian President Vladimir Putin also congratulated Steinmeier. The Russian president also invited him to the Kremlin.

Putin “expressed confidence that Mr. Steinmeier’s work as President of Germany will promote Russia-Germany relations and efficient cooperation in various sectors in the interests of the citizens of both nations, in line with reinforcing stability and security on the European continent and globally,” according to a statement from Kremlin.