WASHINGTON (AFP) -- Barack Obama said on Wednesday he hoped to learn from his predecessors as he met outgoing President George W. Bush and all living former presidents at the White House, where he will soon face daunting challenges as the next commander-in-chief.

In a historic but relaxed tableau, Obama said he welcomed the insights of his predecessors as Bush wished him well when he takes over on January 20.
""All the gentlemen here understand both the pressures and possibilities of this office,"" said Obama, standing next to Bush and three former occupants of the White House, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush and Jimmy Carter.
""For me to have the opportunity to get advice, good counsel and fellowship with these individuals is extraordinary. And I'm very grateful to all of them,"" he told reporters in the Oval Office.
Asked what lessons he would seek to learn the nation's other presidents, Obama quipped ""from their successes.""
""One message that I have and that I think we all share is that we want you to succeed,"" Bush, a Republican, told Obama, a Democrat, before the men went into a private lunch.
""Whether we're Democrat or Republican, we care deeply about this country. And to the extent we can, we look forward to sharing our experiences with you,"" Bush said.
White House spokeswoman Dana Perino called it ""a historic gathering.""
""Although they may disagree on some policy prescriptions in order to solve problems in America, they're obviously all rooting for the same team,"" she said.
Then the two men sat down with their predecessors, the 39th, the 41st and 42nd presidents, Jimmy Carter (1977-1981), the father of the current president, George H.W. Bush (1989-93) and Bill Clinton (1993-2001).
The five men had ""a constructive conversation"" Obama's press secretary Robert Gibbs said in a statement afterwards.
Perino said although the conversation would remain private, she imagined the men would discuss the Middle East and the economy.
""Every one of these presidents has dealt with the challenges there as they've evolved over time,"" she said.
""Given that the economy is number one on everyone's priority list ... I'm sure they'll talk about that,"" Perino said.
""I'm sure they'll also have a chance to talk about experiences and memories that they have in the White House, both on the personal side -- such as raising a family in the public eye and raising a family in the White House -- and also what it's like to be in the post-presidency, as President Bush is about to experience in about 12 days.""
It was the second time Obama visited the White House since his November election victory. Bush hosted the president-elect on November 10.