TEHRAN, Jun. 10 (MNA) � Iran extended congratulations to Turkey over Sunday parliamentary elections, hoping the results would play an effective role in promoting stability in the region.Iranian Foreign Ministery�Spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham said on Tuesday Iran fully respects Turkish people�s votes in the country's national parliamentary elections, and expressed hope the election results would further contribute to the people�s welfare and promote peace and stability in the region.

�Turkey�s election that was held in a peaceful atmosphere with the participation of over 85 percent casting their votes was a great victory for Turkish nation and government,� said Afkham on Tuesday.

She added the Islamic Republic of Iran as Turkey�s neighbor and friend deems the country�s peaceful elections �highly significant.�

Afkham further noted that Iran was certain the bilateral relations between the two countries would be strengthened in all fields in the future.

During the June 7 parliamentary elections, Erdogan�s Justice and Development Party (AKP)�lost its parliamentary majority for the first time since coming to power in 2002.

AKP seized nearly 41 percent of the votes, gaining 258 seats in the country�s 550-seat Grand National Assembly.

By Mehr News Agency