Pakistan must engage with members of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) through economic, military and diplomatic cooperation if it is to secure a place in the region's burgeoning oil and gas industry, one analyst claims.

Writing for Kashmir Watch, Dr Raja Muhammad Khan explained the region has significant untapped oil and gas potential and is open to developing ties to maximise gains from its natural resources.

However, Pakistan must look to build on its historic ties with CIS states through diplomatic, military and economic channels to ensure it plays a part in the development of the region.

In addition to conducting defence training exercises to protect oil and gas infrastructure and strengthen border security, Pakistan should also look to develop cross-border trade and transit routes to open up the region to markets further east, Dr Khan advised.

Vietnam has also recently shown its commitment to development in the region with a new partnership with Azerbaijan that will cover training and trade expansion.

Getenergy for Russia & CIS, 19th – 20th May 2010 - Moscow