The son of Myanmar’s detained former leader Aung San Suu Kyi said she sounded “fairly healthy” after speaking to her by telephone for the first time in more than five years.

Kim Aris, who lives in the United Kingdom, said the 81-year-old Nobel Peace Prize laureate was in good health but expressed concern about her wellbeing as she grows older.

According to AFP, the 20-minute conversation on Thursday focused on family matters, as both sides knew the call would be recorded. Myanmar authorities later released photographs showing mother and son speaking by telephone.

Suu Kyi has been detained since the military seized power in February 2021, ending her government and triggering a civil war. Authorities say she was transferred from prison to house arrest in Naypyidaw in April.

The call came days after Myanmar authorities announced that Suu Kyi had received a package from Britain’s King Charles III containing two books about soil and a sealed diplomatic communication.

Analysts say the military-led government is highlighting the rare contacts to improve its international standing. Morgan Michaels of the International Institute for Strategic Studies told AFP that authorities could be using Suu Kyi to seek concessions from the international community.

Despite the recent updates, her supporters continue to call for her release. Aris said he remained deeply concerned about his mother’s wellbeing.

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