Bono praises Mike Pence's defence of AIDS Bill

Band U2's frontman Bono praised US Vice President Mike Pences defence of AIDS Bill during a meeting in Germany.

After an address at the Munich Security Conference in Germany on Saturday in which he vowed that the US will "hold Russia accountable", Pence had a brief meeting with the U2 frontman, who is also an activist, reports people.com.

The two discussed the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) -- a government initiative to provide treatment, testing, education, and counselling to those suffering from HIV/AIDS in Africa (among other places).

It was first signed in 2003 under President George W. Bush and later renewed in 2008 under President Barack Obama. As an Indiana congressman at the time, Pence was an advocate for PEPFAR's passing.

"Twice on the house floor you defended that," Bono told Pence. "That's how we know you."

Pence responded: "It was an extraordinary historic accomplishment and you played a leading role in carrying it forward."

The rockstar has been raising awareness about the global HIV/AIDS epidemic for nearly two decades now -- co-forming Product Red, which partners with brands Nike, Gap, Coca-Cola, Starbucks and more to help raise money for charities fighting the disease.

Bono also co-founded the ONE Campaign which aims to eradicate poverty and HIV/AIDS in Africa by raising awareness and encouraging Americans to contact senators/elected officials and voice their opinions.

Pence also tweeted about the meeting. "Enjoyed chatting with Bono," he wrote. "Discussed prior effort to twice pass Africa AIDS assistance & future security in developing nations."

--IANS

nn/vt