Tonga's defence minister, the Honourable 'Aloua Fetu'utolu Tupou died at his residence in Nuku'alofa at the weekend.
Matangi Tonga magazine reports that the Government says the minister died from heart failure.
A date for the funeral is yet to be determined - awaiting the return to Nuku'alofa of his wife, Viela Tupou, who is Tonga's high commissioner to the United Kingdom.
The Hon. Fetu'utolu Tupou was appointed to cabinet by King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV in September last year, taking one of the portfolios held by the Prime Minister Prince 'Ulukalala Lavaka Ata..
The Hon. Fetu'utolu had been high commissioner to the UK and for 23 years the commander of the Tonga Defence Services.
