Syrian Deputy FM Faisal Mekdad (Photo: kyodonews.jp)

(VOVworld) - Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad said peace talks between the Syrian government and opposition groups will be held in Moscow from Jan. 27 to 29.
In an interview with Kyodo News in Damascus on Monday, Mekdad described the nature of talks as preliminary consultations for a "national dialogue" expected to be held in Syria later.

Mekdad highlighted the importance of discussing ways to fight terrorism and threats by the self-proclaimed Islamic State.

Meanwhile, the opposition urged moves towards establishing a transitional government in Syria.

Last Saturday the Syrian Foreign Ministry had said the government is ready to participate in meetings with opposition factions to restore peace talks and end the protracted civil war. The announced meeting will be brokered by Russia. Moscow is currently pushing the opposition to agree to the meeting.