Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in a message on Wednesday extended his congratulations to Mariano Rajoy on his election as Spain\'s new Prime Minister. In his message, Ahmadinejad offered his \"most sincere congratulations\" on the occasion of Rajoy\'s election as Spain\'s new prime minister. He further expressed the hope that the Islamic Republic of Iran and the kingdom of Spain would witness progress and a new era of intimate cooperation under Rajoy. Ahmadinejad also hoped that the two countries\' would experience consolidation of all-out relations during Rajoy\'s term, relying on the age-old and friendly relations between Iran and Spain, which are rooted in the two nation\'s rich culture and history. To conclude his message, the Iranian president wished health and success for Rajoy and welfare and honor for the Spanish nation and government. Rajoy and his conservative Popular Party took power the week before Christmas after winning a landslide election win on November 20.