Vice President Joe Biden phoned his Republican successor, Mike Pence, Wednesday morning to congratulate him and Donald Trump on their sweeping victory and invite the vice president-elect to join him for dinner at the Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C.

Biden and his wife, Jill, assured Pence that they would help make his transition as smooth as possible by answering any questions he might have and graciously handing over the offices of the vice president.

Mrs. Biden told the outgoing Indiana governor that he and his family will grow to love the role and residence they will soon enter, while the vice president expressed his utmost respect for Pence.

Defeated Democratic vice presidential hopeful Tim Kaine and his wife, Anne Holton, also spoke with the Bidens by phone on Wednesday, during which the vice president commended Kaine for running a "hard-fought" race.

President Obama is expected to meet with Trump at the White House on Thursday, while details about Pence's visit to the vice presidential residence are likely to come at a later date.