¡¡¡¡BEIJING, Oct. 16 (Xinhuanet) -- China is willing to cooperate with other nations in exploring peaceful exploitation of outer space, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue said Thursday.

¡¡¡¡At a press conference here Zhang described China's first manned space mission of Shenzhou-5 as further great progress by mankind in exploring peaceful utilization of outer space.

¡¡¡¡The success was exciting not only for all Chinese, but also forpeople around the world, Zhang said.

¡¡¡¡It is a historic step taken by the Chinese people in their endeavor to get to the forefront in science and technology, she said.

¡¡¡¡Shenzhou-5 carried the flags of the United Nations and China, showing China's willingness to closely cooperate with the United Nations and to cooperate with other nations in the peaceful utilization of space, and to continue to support the principles and purposes of the UN Charter, Zhang said.

¡¡¡¡She said China is grateful for the congratulations offered by the leaders of many countries after the successful completion of the mission. Enditem