Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani congratulated Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and the Brazilian people on his victory in Brazil’s presidential election. Kanaani said, “The Islamic Republic of Iran hopes that the age-old relations between the two countries that are based on good faith and mutual respect will further improve under the elected president.” Pointing to the fact that next year will mark 120 years since Iran and Brazil established relations, Kanaani said, “Over the past years, the two countries have had growing relations, especially in the field of economy and trade, and, given the many existing potentials in bilateral and multilateral relations, the Islamic Republic of Iran hopes that these relations will be solidified and deepened under President Lula.”