Ashgabat: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Saturday that Islamabad was pursuing a policy of strong cooperation with the regional countries, especially with the next door neighbours for prosperity and enhanced connectivity.

Under the changing scenario and challenges, Pakistan’s policy was driven by the UN recognised principles of respect, peace and tolerance rooted deeply in the objectives of attaining greater regional prosperity through a number of mega development projects linking the entire region, Sharif was quoted by Daily Times as saying.

He said Pakistan seeks friendly ties and respect on equal basis with all the countries and urged for respect of others’ cultures.

The prime minister was addressing a conference—policy of neutrality: international cooperation for peace, security and development—held here in connection with the twentieth anniversary of Turkmenistan’s policy of permanent neutrality.