WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama announced a science partnership with Chile that will include clean energy research, collaboration on the spread of flu and a cancer research center.

Obama met today in the Oval Office with Chilean President Michelle Bachelet. He said the science-based initiatives in Chile will help the United States confront its problems.

Bachelet said her country has ideal conditions to harness solar energy and to track the spread of swine flu that already has reached the United States but is likely to return during the traditional flu season later this year.

Obama said the United States should listen to Bachelet — she's a doctor.