TEHRAN -- In a telephone conversation with Jalal Talabani on Saturday night, President Mahmud Ahmadinejad congratulated him for being elected as the Iraqi President.

Ahmadinejad sent his congratulations to the Iraqi nation on the formation of the new government in Iraq and expressed hope that with the establishment of a permanent government in Iraq, development, peace, and security would soon prevail throughout the country.

Pointing to the deep-rooted historical, religious and cultural ties between the two neighboring countries, Ahmadinejad stated that there are great capacities for enhancing ties between Tehran and Baghdad.

For his part, the Iraqi president thanked the Iranian nation and government for their sincere support for the Iraqi people.

The Iraqi president also remarked that as two great countries, Iran and Iraq can play a key role in developing peace and security in the region.

He also expressed hope that with the formation of a permanent government in Iraq, peace and security would be established in his country in the near future.