Singapore

Continuing my diplomatic theme, Singapore is another small country (population 5 million, like Scotland) which is able to paddle its own sampan in the murky waters of international relations. It has been outstandingly successful since separating from Malaysia in 1965. It has no land, no natural resources and started life as an independent country with a national income of $400 per person per annum. Now it has one of the highest per capital incomes in the world. If Singapore can do it, why cannot Scotland?

This was taken at a lunch for a Singapore trade delegation in Russia, seeking to strengthen bi-lateral relations. I hope they do well. I should also say that it was one of the most delicious lunches I have eaten anywhere, with (amongst many other amazing delicacies) a sort of creamy-coconutty curry which which was so tasty that I ended up having no fewer then four helpings.