Obama congratulates Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders for 'inspiring and energising' millions of Americans

The president has also agreed to meet Bernie Sanders this week

Barack Obama did not endorse Hillary Clinton, he phoned both candidates (Getty)

President Barack Obama extended his congratulations to presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton shortly after she swept up the majority of the votes in the final round of state primaries.

Mr Obama spoke personally with Ms Clinton, according to a statement from The White House.

“The President congratulated Hillary Clinton for securing the delegates necessary to clinch the Democratic Nomination for President,” read the statement. “Her historic campaign inspired millions and is an extension of lifelong fight for middle-class families and children.”

Mr Obama has not endorsed Ms Clinton.

He also spoke with Bernie Sanders, who won the primary in North Dakota and Montana on Tuesday evening but failed to clinch the majority of delegates in California, New Jersey, New Mexico and South Dakota.

The president congratulated Mr Sanders for “energizing millions of Americans with his commitment to issues like fighting economic inequality and special interests' influence on our politics.”

He added that both campaigns have brought “a new generation of Americans into the political process, and shined a spotlight on important policy ideas aimed at making sure our economy and our politics work for everybody, not just those with wealth and power."

He has agreed to meet personally with the Mr Sanders on Thursday - at the request of the senator.

Mr Sanders insisted this week that he would compete against Ms Clinton until the very last primary next week in Washington DC.

“The President looks forward to continuing the conversation with Senator Sanders about how to build on the extraordinary work he has done,” said The White House.