**President Biden to Host President-elect Trump for Traditional Post-Election Meeting**

In a notable development, President Joe Biden is set to welcome President-elect Donald Trump to the Oval Office this Wednesday for their first extensive post-election meeting. This occasion, confirmed by the White House on Saturday, forms part of the customary practices aimed at ensuring the peaceful transfer of power between administrations.

Despite similarities to previous transitions, this particular meeting is noteworthy because it marks a significant shift from 2020 when Trump, then 74, did not engage in a similar meeting with Biden, then 77, following his defeat. At that time, Trump had not conceded the election and the world was grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic. The two leaders last encountered each other briefly during the 20th anniversary commemoration of the 9/11 attacks in Lower Manhattan, but this upcoming meeting will be a more prolonged engagement.

President-elect Trump, 78, received a congratulatory call from Biden after defeating Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris in the recent election. Biden, following traditional protocols, invited Trump to the Oval Office in an effort to demonstrate national unity and a commitment to an orderly transition of power.

In his speech on Thursday, Biden underscored his commitment to a peaceful transition, emphasizing that it reflects the American people's deserved expectation. He voiced his intention for this process to help restore faith in the integrity and transparency of America's electoral system. "I hope we can lay to rest the question about the integrity of the American electoral system. It is honest, it is fair, it is transparent and it can be trusted. Win or lose," Biden commented.

Reflecting on the stark cultural and political divisions that have beset the country in recent years, Biden expressed his belief that a peaceful transition of power could serve as a stepping stone toward mending partisan rifts. He urged Americans to accept the election's outcome, stating, "We accept the choice the country made. I've said many times: You can't love your country only when you win. You can't love your neighbor only when you agree."

Biden, who had decided to step aside from the presidential race in July, reiterated his admiration for Kamala Harris, stressing her qualities of integrity, courage, and character. He highlighted how Harris led a historic campaign amid extraordinary circumstances, showcasing a robust vision for a more just and prosperous nation.

Notably, Biden also plans to attend Trump's inauguration in January, an act that reflects a stark contrast with Trump's actions four years ago. Biden's participation is intended to further emphasize the importance of unity and the peaceful transfer of power in American democracy.