Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that Turkey and Armenia will mutually appoint special envoys to discuss steps to normalize ties, adding that the countries will also restart charter flights between the cities of Istanbul and Yerevan, Eurasianet reported Dec. 14. Armenia’s foreign ministry confirmed the announcement. Why It Matters: It is unclear whether full normalization can be achieved since neither country will be willing to change its position regarding recognition of the Armenian Genocide, which took place in Turkey during World War I. But a normalization of ties would open the long-closed border between the countries, bringing economic benefits to both and significantly increasing Turkey’s influence in the region.