U.S. President George W. Bush, in keeping with a White House tradition, has offered best wishes for President-elect Barack Obama by leaving him a confidential note in the Oval Office.

The note to Obama, set to be inaugurated as the 44th U.S. president at about noon Tuesday, was written by Bush on Monday and put in the top drawer of his desk, White House press secretary Dana Perino said Tuesday.

"I won't provide any details, but the theme is similar to what he's said since election night about the fabulous new chapter President-elect Obama is about to start, and that he wishes him the very best," Perino said.

Bush was due to welcome Obama and his wife, Michelle, for a brief visit to the White House before accompanying them to the Capitol for the inauguration ceremony.

(Xinhua News Agency January 20, 2009)