G7 countries call on Egypt to condemn Russia

Ambassadors from the Group of Seven (G7) - a bloc that includes: Canada; France; Germany; Italy; Japan; the United Kingdom; and the United States - and the EU have called on Egypt to issue a "clear and unanimous condemnation" of Russia's unprovoked invasion and support Ukraine's "territorial integrity and sovereignty".

"We look forward to our partners, including Egypt, upholding the fundamental principles of the UN Charter," the G7 said in a statement on Tuesday.

Egypt has remained muted when it comes to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The North African country is toeing the line between the US - of which it is the second-largest recipient of the country's aid - and Moscow, as they have forged closer ties over the years.

Egypt also relies on both Ukraine and Russia for 80 percent of its wheat imports, while it also receives hundreds of thousands of Russian and Ukrainian visitors each year that contribute to the tourism industry.