San Marino–United Kingdom relations

British-Sanmarinese relations are any type of relations between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Most Serene Republic of San Marino. Official diplomatic relations exist between the two countries.

History

During the Second World War neighbouring Italy declared war on the United Kingdom, San Marino initially joined Italy in declaring war on Britain. [http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,764742,00.html] ] Then when Italy declared surrender San Marino declared neutrality. September 21, 1944 San Marino declared war on Germany. [ [http://worldatwar.net/timeline/other/diplomacy39-45.html ]

Diplomacy

The United Kingdom maintains a Consulate General to San Marino in Rome. [ [http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/about-the-fco/embassies-and-posts/find-an-embassy-overseas/north-and-central-america/san-marino British Foreign Office website] ] San Marino maintains a Consulate General to the United Kingdom in London. [ [http://san-marino.visahq.com/embassy/United-Kingdom/ Address of the Sanmarinese Consulate General in London] ]

port

In 1993, San Marino's national football team played against England's, and Sanmarinese player Davide Gualtieri scored the fastest goal in World Cup qualifying history, after 8.3 seconds, although the team went on to lose by one goal to seven. [cite web |title=San Marino Hero Who Humiliated England |url=http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/sport/article-4050874-details/San+Marino+hero+who+humiliated+England/article.do |publisher=This Is London |accessdate=2007-09-09]

Culture

In 2008, San Marino participated in the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time, and was one of the only two countries -along with Ireland- to give points to British singer Andy Abraham. This attracted the attention of the British Broadcasting Corporation, whose reporter Marie Jackson commented humourously: " [M] aybe they like the UK. And while the rest of Europe were busy giving us nul points, San Marino, the little land-locked republic, was merrily waving the Union Jack flag and becoming our new best friend." [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/7421493.stm "Britain's new best friend?"] , Marie Jackson, BBC, May 27, 2008]

Expatriates

There are three British residents living in San Marino. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/7421493.stm "Britain's new best friend?"] , Marie Jackson, BBC, May 27, 2008]

ee also

*Foreign relations of the United Kingdom
*Foreign relations of San Marino

References