Both Moscow and Brussels have played an active role in helping the two states forge a durable peace after two wars – including a 44-day conflict last year in which Azerbaijan made major advances to “deoccupy towns”.

Armenia has dropped its opposition to the project – on grounds that a “corridor” would imply extra-territorial status -- and is now actively moving forward with it.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenia Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan appeared to make some progress in two remarkably productive face-to-face meetings in quick succession late last year, though periodic outbreaks of violence hang over prospects for further discussions.

A day of clashes on the border separating Armenia’s eastern Gegharkunik province and Azerbaijan’s Kalbacar district left three Armenian servicemen and one Azeri dead.

The disputed communication links lie at the heart of the talks --- the talks have focused on a rail and road link between Azerbaijan and its exclave of Nakhchivan.

The leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia appeared to make progress on issues preventing the conclusion of a peace deal - particularly the opening of communications links.

The outcome of last year’s hostilities has strengthened the position of Azerbaijan in the region and dealt a blow to the authority of Pashinyan.

A joint statement at the end of the meeting said the two sides remained committed to the agreements reached after the end of last year’s 44-day “second Karabakh war”.

The renewed violence coincided with efforts to resolve two issues hindering a durable peace between the neighbours – demarcation of the border and an agreement on allowing free transit for Azerbaijan to its exclave of Nakhchivan.

Azerbaijan held grandiose celebrations to mark victory in a brief war to de-occupy territory held for 30 years by Armenia, but a formal peace eludes negotiators and violent incidents still punctuate the region.