DILI,20 june 2023 ( TATOLI) – In memory of Isabel Ferreira, Wife of Prime Minister, Taur Matan Ruak, who passed away on Sunday, june 18, 2023, Timor-Leste’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation invites those who wish to pay their respects to sign a Condolence Book.
Following the statement released by Timor-Leste’s Foreign Affairs office, The Condolence Book is opened to the public for signing on Thursday, june 20 from 15h00 – 17h00 and from Wednesday, 21st June to Thursday, 22nd June, each day from 9h00 – 11h30, at the VIP Room of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation.
The Embassies of Portugal, Malaysia, and the United States of America (USA) also left the constancy administration and respect to the passing of the former First Lady and Spouse of the Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, Taur Matan Ruak.
The Embassy of Portugal conveyed its condolences to the entire grieving family of the Head of Government and to the people of Timor-Leste, as well as paying tribute to the “noble legacy” left by Isabel Ferreira for the country.
The Malaysian Embassy also addressed its most “sincere condolences and sympathies” for the death of Isabel da Costa Ferreira:” The Embassy of Malaysia in Timor-Leste, sincerely extends our profound condolences and heartfelt sympathies on the passing of Mrs. Isabel da Costa Ferreira, Spouse of His Excellency, Taur Matan Ruak, the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste,” quoted from Malaysian Embassy.
Likewise, U.S. Embassy in Dili also left a message of condolences to Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak, the family, friends colleagues of Dra. Isabel da Costa Ferreira and People of Timor-Leste, saying:” Dra. Isabel da Costa Ferreira lived a life of philanthropy and activism to advance Timor-Leste society. Our thoughts are with Dra. Isabel’s loved ones,”
Other Embassies including Japan Embassy, the South Korean Embassy, Cuba’s Embassy, the Chinese Embassy, Indonesia Embassy, Thailand Embassy, Embassy of Brazil and Australian Embassy also signed a book of condolences and wrote the condolences messages for the Prime Minister, Taur Matan Ruak, and his Family on the passing of Dra. Isabel Ferreira. Following are the condolences messages Tatoli quoted from the official pages of the Embassies.
“Australian Embassy team expresses its deepest condolences to the Prime Minister and Family on the passing of Dra. Isabel Ferreira.” the Embassy described Ferreira as A woman of substance and grace, whose life was one of great service to her nation: “May her soul Rest In Peace,”
Chinese Embassy in Dili also left a message of loss and respect on the passing of Dra. Isabel Ferreira: “We are very sad to lose a dear friend. Dr. Isabel, an illustrious woman with the usual smile, dedicated herself to Sino-Timorese friendship. We will never forget your contribution to the people of Timor and a stronger connection between the two countries. The Chinese Embassy expresses its deepest condolences to the Government and People of Timor-Leste and its most sincere solidarity with the bereaved families,”
Cuba Embassy: “Cuban collaborators serving in the country, we send our deepest condolences on the passing of Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak’s wife, Dr. Isabel Ferreira. Rest in Peace,”
Also a message of condolences from Indonesia Embassy: “The Indonesian Ambassador to Timor-Leste and the entire staff of the Indonesian Embassy in Dili expressed their deep condolences for the death of Mrs. Isabel Fereira da Costa, wife of the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, Taur Matan Ruak. May the deceased get the best place in Heaven,”
Japan Embassy also expressed its heartfelt condolences and profound sympathy to Prime Minister, Taur Matan Ruak, and her Family:” saying Dra. Isabel’s visit to Japan with her husband, then President of the Republic in 2016, will be long remembered by the people of Japan. May her soul rest in peace.”
Quoted from the Embassy of the Republic of South Korea in Timor-Leste: “South Korea Embassy Sincerely extends our profound condolences and heartfelt sympathies on the passing of Mrs. Isabel da Costa Ferreira, Spouse of Prime Minister, Taur Matan Ruak. A close friend to the Korean Embassy, she left behind a legacy that had and will continuously impact on the lives of many Timorese people,”
Isabel da Costa Ferreira (15 april 1974-18 june 2023) was a legal expert, human rights activist, and politician.
Subsequently, Ferreira held various positions starting from General Coordinator of ONG Kontras East Timor (1998-1999); Director of CDHTL-Comissão de Direitos Humanos Timor-Loro Sa’e (1999-2001); and because of this post, was considered an important figure in Timor-Leste.
She was also one of the independent female candidates in the 2022 presidential election.
Her death was caused by the end stage of colon cancer and was announced by the doctors on june 18, 2023.
Journalist: Camilo de Sousa
Editor: Nelia B.
