WASHINGTON – Bitter campaign foes just weeks ago, President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney met for lunch at the White House on Thursday, discussing America's leadership in the world and pledging to stay in touch after a bitter presidential contest.

In their first meeting since the election, Obama and the Republican nominee shook hands in the Oval Office and had an hourlong lunch in the White House's private dining room, fulfilling a promise Obama made in his victory speech the night of Nov. 6.

The White House said Romney congratulated the president for his successful campaign and wished him well in the coming four years.