May 16-2014
Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif visited Tehran Sunday and Monday, his first visit to Iran since he took office a year ago, but the visit ended with no significant announcements.
The two counties signed nine memoranda of understanding (MOUs) on a host of minor issues—like cooperation in statistics—that do not require involvement at the level of prime minister. But the signing of MOUs is de rigueur on such visits to give the appearance of substance.
The two big issues between Iran and Pakistan are the long-stalled gas pipeline and the constant problems with dissatisfied Baluchis along the border.
There was no indication of any progress on either issue, although one MOU provided for setting up a Joint Border Commission. However, such a commission already exists and its 17th meeting was announced in February—four years after its 16th meeting.
