Washington - Barack Obama arrived at the White House Tuesday for a pre-inaugural coffee with President George W Bush, just two hours before he takes the oath of office as the 44th president of the United States.

Bush and First Lady Laura Bush greeted Obama and wife Michelle outside the fabled mansion. They exchanged handshakes and hugs along with a few words before turning for the cameras, then retreating inside.

The incoming and soon-to-be former presidents will have their traditional coffee before travelling together to the congressional steps, where Obama will take the oath of office at noon (1700 GMT).

Bush will be holding with presidential tradition by leaving behind a personal note for Obama in a desk drawer in the Oval Office. Bush wrote the letter during a weekend trip to the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland just outside Washington.

As the current and future first ladies met, Michelle Obama handed Laura Bush a white box wrapped with a red ribbon. (dpa)