Somaliland, by contrast, is an unrecognised state larger than England and home to 3.5 million people, but it has an independent, democratically elected government and its own army, flag, media and border control, but must rely on an uneasy relationship with Somalia for matters like international diplomacy and large scale public works.

BBC: Somaliland: Africa��s unofficial country

To be attended by a network of 250 international scientists, this meeting is particularly poignant in that it is the first since the Human Variome Project International Limited became admitted as an NGO in operational relationship with UNESCO.

UNESCO: World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP)

On an international level, each national European collecting society has a relationship with the other 25 representative bodies.

BBC: Stars back music copyright system

Professors James Crawford and Alan Boyle said that an independent Scotland would have to renegotiate its relationship with international bodies.

BBC: Scotland politics

"If they are rational, most Afghan politicians understand that the future of Afghanistan, its development and stability, are linked with a good relationship with the international community, " said Fabrizio Foschini, an analyst with the Kabul-based Afghan Analysts Network.

WSJ: Karzai Provokes Pushback at Home

He and I have had interacted in a whole range of international forums, and not surprisingly, he has proven to be an outstanding partner for us on the international stage -- not surprising because Singapore and the United States have historically had an extraordinary relationship.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama's Bilateral Meeting with Prime Minister Lee of Singapore | The White House

His relationship with the national side has not always been an easy one - he has twice previously retired from international football when it clashed with his club career in Europe, damaging his reputation in his homeland.

BBC: World Cup 2010: Benni McCarthy dropped by South Africa