Singapore Post issued on October 17, 2011 a set of 2 stamps (probably the longest in World Postal History -
162mm × 30mm. I have been informed by my Good Friend Kasinath that the length of the stamps on the mini sheet in his possession is only 120mm) to celebrate
the strong bilateral relations between Singapore and Egypt. A very
original theme to illustrate this issue: Significant Rivers! The Singapore River has accompanied the people
of Singapore since 1819 when the country was created while the Egyptians have
always depended on the Nile, the longest river in the world, ever since the
time of the Pharaohs.
Singapore and Egypt enjoy warm and
long-standing relations. Our ties with Egypt go back to 1965, when Egypt was
the first Arab country to recognise Singapore's independence and it was also
the first Middle Eastern country that Singapore established diplomatic
relations with in November 1966. Since then, bilateral relations have grown
from strength to strength. The stamp issue
interestingly depicts the two significant rivers of Egypt and Singapore.
Historically, when Singapore was founded in 1819, trade, commerce and
finance activities sprang up on the banks of the river, enabling Singapore to
flourish as an entrepot. Today, the Singapore River continues to play an
important role in Singapore's landscape, with many bustling food and commercial
activities found along it. During my stay in Singapore earlier in the year, I
spent many hours along this river sampling the delicacies on offer at the many
pubs and restaurants along the river. Similarly, the Nile, the longest river
in the world, has been the lifeline of civilisation in Egypt for thousands of
years. In fact, the ancient Greek historian Herodotus described Egypt as
the gift of the Nile. Flowing northwards into the Mediterranean Sea, the Nile
irrigates Egypt's rich agricultural lands. The Nile has indeed sustained major
population centres living beside it for a very long time.
Therefore, both
the Nile and the Singapore River have played a key role in the history and
development of Egypt and Singapore respectively. It would not be wrong to say
that this stamp issue will be a treasured and special one for stamp collectors,
as well as for all those who are interested in the important role of the two
rivers in the two countries over the years.
