Kerry in Egypt to strengthen ties despite human rights concerns

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has been talking to Egyptian officials as he began a tour in the Middle East region.

The U.S.-Egyptian dialogue held by Kerry and his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shukry is seen as a relaunch of partnership between Washington and its longtime ally. 

Shukri told a joint news conference with Kerry in Cairo that his country had no "major disagreements" with the United States but there were "differences in points of view over some issues, which is natural." 

Kerry said the United States and Egypt were moving back to a "strong base" in their relationship despite tensions and concerns on human rights.

Relations between Washington and Cairo have been uneasy since the clampdown on opponents of President Al-Sisi since the ouster of former Islamist President Mohamed Morsi.