Glasgow Caledonian University principal Professor Pamela Gillies met the Myanmar political leader and formally handed over an invitation from the Lord Provost of Glasgow inviting Suu Kyi to visit the city.

Professor Gillies met Ms Suu Kyi as part of a BritishCouncil delegation at a Foreign and Commonwealth Office reception hosted by Foreign Secretary William Hague.

The event was part of a four-day UK visit by Suu Kyi, who has addressed both Houses of Parliament.

The politician gained global recognition as one of the world's most prominent political prisoners, spending 15 of the past 21 years under house arrest.

During her detention, she was awarded the Freedom of the City of Glasgow in 2007.

Professor Gillies said: "I feel incredibly honoured to have had the chance to meet this extraordinary woman.

"I am also delighted that I had the opportunity, on behalf of Glasgow's Lord Provost, to deliver an invitation to collect her long-delayed Freedom of the City Award in person."

Glasgow Lord Provost Sadie Docherty said Suu Kyi was "more than deserving" of the highest award that our city can bestow.

GCU currently has 17 students from Myanmar attending the university.

catriona.stewart@ heraldandtimes.co.uk