DILI, 23 June 2026 (TATOLI) — Foreign diplomats accredited to Timor-Leste on Tuesday expressed their condolences following the death of former President Francisco Guterres “Lú-Olo”, paying tribute to his historic role in the struggle for independence and his lifelong dedication to serving the Timorese people.
New Zealand Ambassador to Timor-Leste Helen Tunnah conveyed the New Zealand government’s deepest sympathies to the former head of state’s family, friends, colleagues and the people of Timor-Leste.
“On behalf of the government of New Zealand, I would just like to extend our deepest condolences to the family of Dr. Francisco Guterres “Lú Olo”. Obviously, it’s a very, very sad time for his family, but also for his colleagues and his friends and for the people of Timor-Leste,” said Tunnah.
She said Lú-Olo leaves behind a legacy of public service and commitment to the nation that spanned from the resistance era to his tenure in the country’s highest offices.
“He has a legacy of serving his people from the time when he was fighting in the struggle for independence through to his career as a politician and then as the President of Timor-Leste. It’s a career and a life of service and dedication to the people of Timor-Leste,” said the Ambassador.
Japan’s Deputy Chief of Mission, Yuki Sakai, also expressed deep sorrow over the former president’s passing and recalled a meeting between Lú-Olo and Japan’s then Foreign Minister, Taro Kono, during an official visit to Timor-Leste in 2018.
She expressed her condolences to the former president’s family, loved ones and the government and the people of Timor-Leste on the loss of their esteemed leader.
Cambodian Ambassador to Timor-Leste Chun Sovannarith likewise conveyed his condolences and solidarity to the bereaved family, as well as to the people and government of Timor-Leste.
“On behalf of the Royal Embassy of Cambodia, I would like to express our profound sadness, great condolences, and sympathy to the family, to the people and to the government of Timor-Leste for the passing away of the excellency, the late president Lú Olo,” said Sovannarith.
TATOLI
