BANGKOK - A TWO-HOUR meeting in Yangon yesterday between a top American official and Myanmar's detained pro-democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi has significantly raised the level of diplomatic engagement between the United States and Myanmar.

US Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell became the highest-ranking American official to visit the Nobel Peace laureate in 14 years.

Earlier, he met Myanmar Prime Minister Thein Sein in the administrative capital of Nyapyidaw before flying to Yangon.

State television, which on Tuesday ignored the American delegation's visit, broadcast footage of both meetings.

Mr Campbell greeted Ms Suu Kyi, 64, with a handshake at the Inya Lake Hotel near her home where she has been detained on and off for the past 20 years.

Dressed in a traditional Myanmar jacket, Ms Suu Kyi was upbeat as she emerged from the hotel after the meeting.

nirmal@sph.com.sg