Burma’s newly released democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi expressed her appreciation for the support of the Indonesian government in Burma’s democracy process.

Suu Kyi made the statement in a telephone conversation with Indonesia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Marty Natalegawa. She also extended her hopes that Indonesia will continue to support the development of democracy in her country.

“Aung San Suu Kyi expressed her appreciation for Indonesia, which has helped the development of democracy in Burma,” the foreign ministry’s spokesperson Michael Tene was quoted as saying by news portal Detik.com.

According to Tene, the telephone conversation took place on Tuesday.

“The foreign minister told Suu Kyi that Indonesia consistently fought for her freedom and we welcomed it,” Tene said.

Marty Natalegawa also told Suu Kyi that her freedom will play a role in Burma’s democratic improvement.

“Indonesia hopes the democratic conditions in Burma will keep on developing,” Tene said.

Suu Kyi was placed under house arrest shortly before Burma’s general election in 1990, which her National League for Democracy party rightfully won before the junta voided the results.

She spent almost 15 of the past 21 years under house arrest before being released on Nov. 13. (Jakarta Globe)