Burma’s president meets opposition leader Suu Kyi

Friday, 19 August 2011

  Burmese President Thein Sein and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi met for the first time on Friday in Naypyitaw at an unknown location, according to the local journal 7 Days.

Burmese President Thien Sein, shown here in traditional Burmese dress while speaking in Parliament, met with opposition leader Suu Kyi on Friday in Naypyitaw, as relations between her and the newly formed government improve. Photo: Mizzima

"They met at 1 p.m.," said a source close to officials, when Mizzima asked for confirmation.

The opening ceremony of a national-level workshop on poverty and economic development was delayed for one hour due to their meeting, the journal said.

Suu Kyi was officially invited to attend a national-level three-day workshop that ends on Sunday. High-level government officials, members of political parties and business representatives were invited to the workshop.

Participants in the workshop told 7 Days that they had not yet seen Suu Kyi who arrived in Naypyitaw on Friday.

Under a special arrangement, a government security team appeared at Suu Kyi’s home in Rangoon at 9.a.m. local time led by Special Branch Police commander Colonel Win Naing Tun and accompanied her to Naypyitaw.

Relations between the government and Suu Kyi have gradually improved following two meetings recently between Suu Kyi and government Minister Aung Kyi.