TEHRAN -- Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian lauded Iran's "balanced" policy in the Central Asian region.

Speaking at a meeting entitled "Armenia in the 21st century" held in the French Senate, Oskanian stressed that expansion of talks and cooperation between Tehran and Yerevan was "necessary".

He termed bolstering of Iran-Armenia ties as "important", saying the two sides have reached a mutual understanding in issues relating to bilateral relations, IRNA reported.

Oskanian described Iran as a safe route for Armenia, which he said, was outflanked by adverse nations that seriously threatened the country's security.

Meanwhile, Armenia is a crossroad to the west and the north for Iran, he added.

Oskanian stressed on the importance of Iran's balanced policy in having cooperation with both Armenia and Azerbaijan in the face of existing territorial dispute between Baku and Yerevan.