ANKARA

The first meeting between Turkish and Armenian special envoys to discuss steps for normalizing the ties between the two countries, is expected to be held next month, the Turkish foreign minister said on Thursday.

"The date for the first meeting between special representatives of Turkey and Armenia has not yet been set but it is expected to be held in January," Mevlut Cavusoglu said in an interview broadcast live on 24 TV.

The envoys at the first meeting will exchange views on a roadmap on which steps can be taken, including confidence-building steps, Cavusoglu added.

On Dec. 18, Cavusoglu announced that Moscow would host the first meeting between Turkish and Armenian special envoys to discuss steps for normalizing the bilateral relations.

Russia on Tuesday announced that it supports talks between Turkey and Armenia to normalize ties, noting that "the whole world will benefit from this reestablishment of neighborly relations."

On Dec. 15, Turkey appointed Serdar Kilic, a former ambassador to the US, as the special envoy to discuss steps for normalization with Armenia. Three days later, Armenia appointed National Assembly Deputy Speaker Ruben Rubinyan its special representative for dialogue with Turkey.

Turkey said charter flights with Armenia would soon begin, and that it is pursuing its normalization discussions in consultation and coordination with Azerbaijan.