Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has addressed both Houses of Parliament during her visit to Great Britain.
Ms Suu Kyi met Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall ahead of a meeting with Prime Minister David Cameron at No 10.
At a joint press conference the prime minister paid tribute to Ms Suu Kyi.
He said: "Over these years you have been a symbol of courage and of hope for our people and for your people and around the world.
"Your example has inspired people across the world and it's inspired people here in Britain too."
Ms Suu Kyi said she was grateful for the reception she received in the countries she has visited.
"I had thought of myself as one politician travelling from one country to another but I find people have accepted me as one of them," she said.
"For this I am very grateful, not because I have enjoyed the fruits of this warmth but because it is a good augury for the future of my country.
"It means that my country which has long been apart from the democracies of the world will soon begin to join in this great community that will ensure the happy future of our country."
She then headed to the Houses of Parliament, where she was introduced to MPs and peers by Commons Speaker John Bercow and greeted by applause.
In her address Ms Suu Kyi spoke about the importance of empowerment for the Burmese people.
"My country today stands at the start of a journey towards, I hope, a better future. So many hills remain to be climbed, chasms to be bridged, obstacles to be breached.
"Our own determination can get us so far, the support of the people of Britain, and peoples around the world, can get us so much further."
The Burmese government confirmed on Thursday it had received an invitation for President Thein Sein to visit the UK, which would be the first visit by a Burmese head of state to the West in over 50 years.