CNN

WASHINGTON (CNN) - Chile's experiences with the H1N1 virus can help the United States deal with the next wave of the flu in the North American autumn, President Barack Obama said Tuesday.

At a joint media appearance after meeting with Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, a medical doctor, Obama said such a "world problem" requires cooperation between nations to help each other out.

News reports say a Chilean decree last week expanded the power of Bachelet's government to confront the spreading flu, which has infected more than 4,000 people there.

"The flu situation is a good example of what the 21st century is going to look like," Obama said. "There are no borders on the flu."

Bachelet, the first woman president of Chile, pledged to share what her country learns about the flu with U.S. authorities to help combat the expected fall wave in the Northern Hemisphere.

Obama also praised Chile for what he called sound economic policies that have helped the South American country weather the global economic recession.

The two leaders earlier signed an agreement to cooperate on clean energy projects.