The youngest son of Aung San Suu Kyi has spoken to his mother for first time in five years since she was imprisoned by the military junta, raising hopes she might finally be released.

In a dramatic breakthrough, Kim Aris was alerted by the British Foreign Office to go the Burmese embassy in Mayfair and was allowed to talk to her for 20 minutes on his own.

“It was wonderful finally to be able to speak with my mother,” he told The Independent . “Hearing her voice means more than words can express. She sounded strong and was delighted that we could finally speak.

“We mainly spoke about family matters and I was able to find out about her conditions, where she was staying and reassure her that we are doing everything we can to keep up the determination to get her freed.”

Ms Suu Kyi has been held by the Burmese military for more the 20 years over the decades and is the last beacon of hope for democracy for the country.

Myanmar's former leader Aung San Suu Kyi receives books and a letter from Britain's King…