Summary The former Democratic political rivals sat together for around 90 minutes.
WASHINGTON (AFP) - US President Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton -- the woman hoping to succeed him in the Oval Office -- met at the White House for a lunch described by officials as "mostly" social.
The former Democratic political rivals sat together for around 90 minutes, according to White House press secretary Josh Earnest.
"When their schedules permit, President Obama and Secretary Clinton enjoy the opportunity to catch up in person," Earnest said in a statement.
"This afternoon, they met privately for an informal lunch here at the White House for about an hour and a half. They discussed a wide array of topics, but this was mostly a social occasion."
A year out from the 2016 presidential election, Obama has so far steered clear of endorsing any Democratic nominee.
But Clinton -- his one-time secretary of state -- remains a clear favorite to secure the party nomination.
The White House has been wary of appearing to tip the scales, but has at times voiced public displeasure at the Clinton camp, most notably over her opposition to Obama s signature trans-Pacific free trade deal.
The agreement has yet to be ratified.
