Chinese, U.S. presidents talk over phone about bilateral ties, flu epidemic

The United States appreciated China's efforts to promote bilateral relations, he said.

The Chinese president expressed sincere condolences over the A/H1N1 flu epidemic that has hit parts of the United States, and said the Chinese government has started emergency measures to prevent a spread of the disease.

"We are willing to keep contact with the World Health Organization, the United States and other parties concerned, and strengthen cooperation to jointly confront this public health challenge," Hu said.

Obama said his country has adopted effective measures against the disease and will continue to keep a close eye on the outbreak.

The U.S. president said he was looking forward to meeting with Hu again during a meeting of leaders of the Group of Eight nations and developing countries in Italy. Obama said he was also looking forward to visiting China.

The two leaders also exchanged views on such issues as the situation on the Korean Peninsula and the situation in South Asia.

Editor:Zhang Ning