SINGAPORE – President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan extended their condolences to Timor-Leste following the death of the country’s former leader Francisco Guterres on June 21.
Guterres, who died at age 71, served as president of Timor-Leste from 2017 to 2022, capping decades of involvement in the struggle that led to the independence from Indonesia of the small South-east Asian nation.
“On behalf of the people of the Republic of Singapore, I extend my deepest condolences on the passing of former president of Timor-Leste, His Excellency Francisco Guterres,” President Tharman wrote in a letter to President Jose Ramos-Horta, dated June 24.
President Tharman noted that Guterres devoted his life to Timor-Leste and played a crucial role in strengthening the country’s democratic institutions and fostering national unity.
He added that Guterres’ commitment and contributions towards the building of a sovereign and independent Timor-Leste will long be remembered.
“At this time of sorrow, our thoughts are with president Guterres’ family and loved ones, and with the people of Timor-Leste as they mourn the loss of a respected statesman and leader,” President Tharman wrote.
In a Facebook post on June 25, Balakrishnan said he is deeply saddened by Guterres’ death.
“President Guterres was a respected statesman and a key figure in Timor-Leste’s struggle for independence.
“His lifelong dedication to his country and his contributions to strengthening Timor-Leste’s democracy and national unity will always be remembered,” Balakrishnan said.
