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US treasury secretary heaps praise on U2 rocker Bono
Posted on Sunday, February 10 @ 03:20:52 CET by Macphisto
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(AFP) -- US Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill heaped praise today on his new colleague, U2 lead singer Bono, who has promised to take him to Africa.
O'Neill, who sat on a panel with Bono at the World Economic Forum one week earlier in New York, said they may also invite along billionaire Microsoft founder Bill Gates.
Speaking at the close of Group of Seven finance ministers two-day meeting here, he said "the Bono" is a serious person who cares deeply about the issues of improving the standard of living for the world's poor.
"He cares deeply about these issues - and you know what? - he knows a lot about them ... he knows what life is like in Uganda. It's not a theoretical subject for him or something he sees from a distance," O'Neill said.
The two had been scheduled to travel to Africa together in October last year but the plans were delayed because of the events of September 11.
"We've renewed our commitment. I think he's serious about and I'm serious about it. We may even let Gates come along," O'Neill said, adding that "I don't even know if he wants to come."
O'Neill said raising the standard of living for the world's poor is an "important" issue for the G7.
"We have got a lot to do," in this area, he stressed.
Canadian Finance Minister Paul Martin, jumping on the bandwagon, offered: "There's no doubt about the sincerity of Bono. There is also no doubt, Mr Secretary, as I have learned that (he) does immeasurably for the sense of respect that your children have for you."
Bono said at the economic forum last weekend in New York that a trip to Africa with O'Neill would likely take place in one month or two.
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