U.S. President George Bush has met with President-elect Barack Obama at the White House for talks on major issues facing the United States.
Mr. Bush and first lady Laura Bush welcomed the president-elect and his wife, Michelle Obama, Monday, shortly after their arrival from their home in Chicago.
Mr. Bush and the president-elect talked briefly as they walked together outside the White House, pausing for pictures before entering the Oval Office for more extensive talks. They were expected to discuss the transition between their administrations, in their first meeting since last week's election.
The president and president-elect have struck a tone of cooperation in carrying out an orderly transition of power. Mr. Obama says the nation expects nothing less.
As Mr. Bush and his successor met, Mrs. Bush gave a tour of the presidential residence to the incoming first lady, Mrs. Obama.
Mrs. Bush's chief of staff, Anita McBride says the two were expected to look at both the public areas and private family quarters.
Mr. Obama will be sworn into office on January 20.
The director of Mr. Obama's transition team, John Podesta, said Sunday the president-elect could move quickly to reverse some of President Bush's executive orders.
Podesta set the stage for Mr. Obama to reverse Mr. Bush's limitation on embryonic stem cell research. Podesta said Mr. Obama also will reverse the opening of new public land to oil and gas drilling.
White House spokeswoman Dana Perino says every president has the right to take such action. She underscored that Mr. Bush and Mr. Obama have their differences, but recognize the need to work together.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.
