British PM calls Afghanistan, Nigeria as 'fantastically corrupt'

We've got leaders of some fantastically corrupt countries coming to Britain

Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron leaves Number 10 Downing Street in London
Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron leaves Number 10 Downing Street in London
IANS London
Last Updated : May 11 2016 | 1:21 PM IST
British Prime Minister, David Cameron, described Nigeria and Afghanistan as - fantastically corrupt - in a conversation with Queen Elizabeth II.

The conversation took place at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday during an event to mark the Queen's 90th birthday, attended by political leaders and other public figures.

The prime minister was speaking to the Queen about this week's anti-corruption summit in London, the BBC reported.

"We've got leaders of some fantastically corrupt countries coming to Britain. Nigeria and Afghanistan, possibly the two most corrupt countries in the world," he was overheard saying.

After Cameron's comments, Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, intervened to say ,"But this particular president is not corrupt, he's trying very hard." 

Speaker, John Bercow also joined coversation saying ,"They are coming at their own expense, one assumes?"

In response to Cameron's comments, Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari said, his government was deeply shocked and embarrassed by the premier's comments.

He suggested that the Cameron must be referring to Nigeria's past notoriety for corruption before his coming to power last year.

Meanwhile, the Afghan embassy in London said, tackling corruption was one of the top priorities of the President, Ashraf Ghani and the bold action had been taken.

"We have made important progress in fighting systematic capture in major national procurement contracts and are making progress on addressing institutional issues as well as issues related to impunity. Therefore calling Afghanistan in that way is unfair.", Embassy further added.

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First Published: May 11 2016 | 1:12 PM IST

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