Flying in to Brazil today, the band met with President Dilma Rousseff at her official residence, the Palacio da Alvorada.

Visiting a chapel at the residence and sharing lunch, they expressed their sympathy over the tragic events in Rio and discussed how the world could learn from Brazil's achievements in fighting poverty.

'She has great passion as an anti-poverty campaigner,' said Bono. 'And is proud of Brazil's achievements in poverty reduction, although impatient about their need to achieve more.
'We also talked about corruption and the inspiring Ficha Limpa campaign in Brazil. I asked her to support the ONE campaign's call for transparency in the way that global gas and mining companies operate. The band and I appreciated her giving us so much of her valuable time.'

The band's arrival was greeted by passionate Brazilian fans who've been camped outside the residence for days. There was also a chance to take in the architecture of Oscar Niemeyer who designed the residence and much of the city.  Later the band flew on to Sao Paulo to begin rehearsals for Saturdays' opening show in the country.