U2 frontman Bono has met Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev ahead of the band's first Russian gig.

Mr Medvedev, a well-known fan of classic rock, sipped tea with the Irish megastar at his summer residence near the Black Sea resort of Sochi.

He complimented the 50-year-old singer, six years his senior, for highlighting problems in Africa, such as poverty and the spread of HIV/AIDS.

The president chatted in English with Bono, whose band will play its first-ever concert in Moscow on Wednesday as part of its "360" world tour.

Bono said: "I come here to cross a great divide between me, the Led Zeppelin fan and you, the Deep Purple fan." Mr Medvedev replied: "No, no, no. I prefer Led Zeppelin too. You can relax."

In response to the Bono's humanitarian work Medvedev told the singer, "I believe that it's just great that you actively engage in all of that and at the same time that does not impede you."