WASHINGTON, July 29 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Barack Obama on Monday had lunch with former secretary of state Hillary Clinton, and the White House said the meeting was "chiefly social," denying they were discussing prospects for Clinton in the 2016 presidential election.

Obama invited Clinton to the White House, and the two had lunch together on the patio outside the Oval Office, according to a photograph put out by the White House.

The two had grilled chicken, pasta jambalaya, and salad.

White House principal deputy press secretary Josh Earnest downplayed the idea the two were talking about the prospects of Clinton in the next presidential election.

"Despite the intense media interest, 2016 is something that is quite a bit away," Earnest said during a press briefing, noting that the pair "have developed not just a strong working relationship, but also a genuine friendship."

However, Earnest also said although the meeting was "chiefly social," it was likely Obama and Clinton would discuss recent developments in the Middle East as well as the peace talks that will resume in Washington.