An official says United States President Barack Obama has told Myanmar's junta to free pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners.

Obama delivered the message during his summit yesterday with leaders of 10 Southeast Asian nations, which included Myanmar Prime Minister General Thein Sein.

White House press secretary Robert Gibbs has told reporters that Obama called on Myanmar to free Suu Kyi and other political prisoners, and end oppression of minorities.

He said Obama "brought that up directly with that government".

Nobel Peace laureate Suu Kyi has been in detention for 14 of the past 20 years.