Health, education key areas of cooperation for Obama

US President Barack Obama on Monday signalled collaboration with India in education and health, calling these key areas of cooperation.

US President Barack Obama on Monday signalled collaboration with India in education and health, calling these key areas of cooperation.

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"Because the wealth of a nation also depends on the health of its people, we'll continue to support India's efforts against diseases like tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS," Obama said in his address to MPs at the Central Hall of parliament.

"As global partners, we'll work to improve global health by preventing the spread of pandemic flu," he said.

Pandemic flues, including the bird flu and swine flu which broke last year, have killed thousands of people worldwide. Tuberculosis and HIV also remain among the major health challenges in India.

The US president added that ties in the field of education will also be enhanced.

"Because knowledge is the currency of the 21st century, we'll increase exchanges between our students, colleges and universities, which are among the best in the world," he said.

Earlier, speaking at the joint press conference with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Obama announced the first formal India-US education summit to be held next year.

He also highlighted the Singh-Obama Knowledge Initiative as one of the key components of the partnership.

Opening of two new diseases centres in Delhi was also announced by Obama.