In the message, President Ahmadinejad offered his sincere congratulations to the new Australian prime minister and the nation.



Iran and Australia have always enjoyed close economic, scientific and cultural cooperation and the presence of Iranian nationals in that country have further consolidated ties and helped broaden friendly relations between the two nations, said the message.



"I hope that through mutual collaboration, the existing political, economic and cultural ties between the two countries would be further bolstered and broadened," he said.



"I pray for your health and success as well as for the Australian government and nation," concluded President Ahmadinejad.

Tehran, Dec 18, IRNA