The First Presidency received at Church headquarters President George W. Bush and his wife, Laura, during the U.S. leader's brief visit to Salt Lake City to formally open the 2002 Winter Games Feb. 8.
President Gordon B. Hinckley and his counselors, Thomas S. Monson, and President James E. Faust, presented President Bush and his wife, Laura, with their family histories. After looking at those histories, President Bush and the First Presidency discussed current international challenges. President and Mrs. Bush also said they were looking forward to hearing the Tabernacle Choir at the Utah capitol later that day and at the Winter Games opening ceremonies that evening.
On Feb. 9, the First Presidency met with United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan. Secretary-General Annan and the First Presidency discussed peace initiatives and humanitarian aid efforts in several troubled areas in the world and how such efforts are working to further relieve human suffering.
President Hinckley described the Secretary-General as a "good, wonderful leader" and commended the "tremendous work he's doing in trying to bring peace and goodness to the people of the world."
Secretary-General Annan expressed appreciation for the meeting and for the Church's humanitarian service, saying, "I've enjoyed the exchange we've had and the work you do around the world."
