Son of detained Myanmar democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi has welcomed the recent meeting between his mother and the head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), describing it as "an important first step" that has given him hope.
Kim Aris said in a social media post that he hopes the meeting will lead to "greater humanitarian access, direct contact with my mother, credible and independently verified information about her wellbeing, and ultimately her immediate and unconditional release, together with all political prisoners."
The ICRC said its resident representative in Myanmar, Arnaud de Baecque, met Aung San Suu Kyi on Monday and was able to speak with her in private, marking her first publicised meeting with a foreign official since she was ousted in the military coup in February 2021.
The Myanmar president's office earlier released photographs showing Aung San Suu Kyi shaking hands with and meeting de Baecque. The ICRC confirmed the authenticity of the images but said it did not take them.
Aris, a British national, has sought independently verified proof that his mother is alive since she was transferred from prison to house arrest in April after President Min Aung Hlaing commuted the remainder of her sentence.
In this photo released by Myanmar President Office on Monday, Aug 3, a birthday cake for Myanmar ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi is seen during her meeting with Arnaud de Baecque, resident representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross, in Naypyitaw, Myanmar.//AP
Britain's foreign ministry described the meeting as "long overdue proof of life", saying it remains gravely concerned by Aung San Suu Kyi's continued detention and reiterating its call for her release.
Government spokeswoman Khaing Khaing Soe said the meeting lasted more than 30 minutes and that Aung San Suu Kyi's health was "stable and in good condition."
Aung San Suu Kyi, 81, has rarely been seen in public since being detained after the military overthrew her elected government in February 2021.
She was later convicted on a series of charges that rights groups say were fabricated to sideline her and her National League for Democracy party.
Meanwhile, Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow welcomed the meeting, including the photographs that emerged over the weekend.
The meeting is a significant development following an informal meeting between ASEAN foreign ministers and Myanmar Foreign Minister Tin Maung Swe in Bangkok on July 12, he said in a statement.
Myanmar ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi cuts a birthday cake during her meeting with Arnaud de Baecque, resident representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross, in Naypyitaw, Myanmar.//AP
"We hope that the Government of Myanmar will undertake further positive steps towards lasting peace and stability in Myanmar," Sihasak said.
Sihasak is currently accompanying Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on a two-day official visit to Indonesia.
She met former Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai only once, in 2023.
The ICRC has long played a key humanitarian role in Myanmar, including providing assistance to conflict-affected communities.
The development comes as Myanmar seeks to improve ties with its Southeast Asian neighbours and ahead of a planned visit to Thailand on August 6–7 by Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing.
