United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Wednesday met China's first astronaut, Yang Liwei, who presented the UN chief with two UN flags which he had taken with him on his mission in October.

Congratulating China on its first successful manned space flight, Annan said at the handover ceremony that it is a "great achievement" watched by all Chinese people and people around the world.

Annan said space travel always excites the imagination and that the United Nations has taken a very keen interest in space, particularly in the peaceful use of outer space.

He wished China even more success in its space exploration, and thanked the government for this sign of solidarity with the peoples of the world and its support for the world body.

Chinese Ambassador to the UN Wang Guangya said the Chinese astronaut came all the way from China to give Annan the UN flags, which demonstrated the support of Chinese people for the UN.

"All these demonstrate China's full commitment that China has been and will continue to be a strong supporter of the organization that is represented by Your Excellency (Annan)," he said. "For we believe, with this organization, lies the hope of mankind for a better world of peace, development and prosperity."

Yang also presented Annan with a small Chinese national flag, which he once showed to the world alongside one of the two UN flags during his orbit around the Earth on Oct. 15-16. He told reporters that the UN flags aboard the spacecraft showed China's commitment to the peaceful use of the outer space.

Before the handover ceremony, Yang Liwei was welcomed by Chinese staff who worked at the United Nations.

Yang and his delegation arrived in New York on Tuesday for a two-day visit. He will travel to Washington on Thursday.

(Xinhua News Agency May 20, 2004)