China and the United States agreed Tuesday to further collaboration to jointly research in the health sector and in the control of diseases, especially pandemics, according to a joint statement issued after the talks between Chinese President Hu Jintao and visiting U.S. President Barack Obama.

The joint research will include that on stem cells. Both sides will deepen cooperation on global public health issues, including the prevention, surveillance, reporting and control of the A/H1N1 influenza, avian influenza, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, said the statement.

The two sides will also enhance cooperation on food and product safety and quality, it added.

(Xinhua News Agency November 17, 2009)