In this photo from March 2006, Nauru President Ludwig Scotty waves to reporters after they inspect Taiwanese military honour guard in Taipei. Scotty was on his first state visit to Taiwan after establishing diplomatic links in May 2005. Photo: AFP / Sam Yeh
Former Nauru President Ludwig Scotty has died at the age of 77.
In a statement, the Nauru government said Scotty passed away on Wednesday after a short illness, surrounded by his family.
Scotty served as Nauru's president twice - in 2003 and from 2004 to 2007. He also served as the speaker of parliament mutiple times between 2000 and 2016.
He was a member of parliament for the Anabar, Ijuw and Anibare constituency.
The Nauru government has confirmed a state funeral will be held to honour Scotty.
Details of a state funeral will be announced this week.
