U2's lead singer may have avoided George W. Bush's bear hugs but the former president still thought him an impressive man who understood the major issues facing Africa.

In his new memoir 'Decision Points,' Bush writes that he was initially very wary of the famous Irish rock star prior to their first meeting in the White House on March 14, 2002.

"I was skeptical of celebrities who seemed to adopt the cause of the moment as a way to advance their careers," he writes. But Bush says that his respect for Bono actually grew over time.

Bush writes that he listened carefully when Bono urged him to do more to help African nations beset with high HIV transmission rates and Aids. "With a few pills you can save millions of lives," Bono told him. "It would be the best possible advertisement for the United States. You ought to paint the things red, white and blue."