MINSK, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- The 31st international congress of the Association of Space Explorers (ASE) kicked off here Monday with the participation of over 80 cosmonauts and astronauts from 17 countries.

The development of space research in the world, Belarus' contribution to space exploration and other issues are on the agenda of the week-long congress.

At the opening ceremony, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko confirmed the readiness of his country for dialogue and participation in peaceful programs and projects on space exploration, including returning astronauts to the Moon, piloting ships to Mars, and searching for other suitable planets for life.

The congress will last until Saturday.