United States’ President Elect Barack Obama has set foot for the first time in the Oval Office on Monday for a meeting with the nation’s still-in-office President George W. Bush. The two have met to discuss the process of power transfer and a wide array of other issues such as the war in Iraq, the country’s economic state, the struggling auto industry and the national security.

Meanwhile, Michele Obama was escorted by first lady Laura Bush through the White House which will soon become the Obamas’ new home.

Obama’s visit to the White House came six days after his historical presidential elections victory and was marked by many symbolic gestures. Obama and Bush stood side by side along the colonnade and when they reached the Oval Office, Bush held the door for the United States first black President. Obama will take office on January 20 as the United States 44th president.

The two have ridiculed each other many times during the presidential campaign. Obama criticized the Bush administration and blamed it for the state of the economy and many other problems the United States are now facing, while Bush endorsed Obama’s rival for the White House, Arizona Senator John McCain.

However, the two showed on Monday that diplomacy is on of their key abilities. The two looked like two old pals as thy posed for pictures. After the photo shoot, they spent a private hour discussing foreign and domestic affairs. Bush also took time to give the U.S. next president a tour of the White House living quarters, including the Lincoln Bedroom.

Long story short, it was a "good, constructive, relaxed and friendly" visit, as Bush put it according to White House spokeswoman Dana Perino.

"President-elect Obama thanked President Bush for his commitment to a smooth transition, and for his and First Lady Laura Bush's gracious hospitality in welcoming the Obamas to the White House," said Stephanie Cutter, spokeswoman for the Obama transition office.