President Mohamed Morsi received on Sunday 3/3/2013 Secretary of State John Kerry at the Presidential Palace in Heliopolis. The meeting touched on many topics topped by bilateral relations, developments of the economic situation, and means of supporting the Egyptian economy, a number of regional and international files including the developments of the Syrian crisis.

Talks also dealt with ways of boosting bilateral relations and luring more US investments into Egypt.

In a statement, the Presidency said the Syrian crisis topped the talks between President Morsi and Kerry.

Morsi and Kerry also discussed a number of regional and international issues, including security and economic challenges facing Africa, the presidency added.

Meanwhile, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Defense Minister General Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi received also Kerry and his accompanying delegation.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways of boosting military cooperation, given the deeply-rooted ties binding Egypt and the US.

Sisi voiced keenness on promoting cooperation between Egypt and the US in military cooperation and improving the combat capability of the Armed Forces to support peace and security in the region.

Kerry, for his part, hailed the role played by the Armed Forces in maintaining security and stability during the current phase.

The US is keen on supporting the democratic process in Egypt, which is a strategic partner in the Mideast, he added.

The meeting was attended by Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Sedki Sobhi, a number of top Army brasses along with the US ambassador to Egypt.

Foreign Minister Mohamad Amr also held talks with Kerry. The US-Egyptian talks covered bilateral relations and regional issues including the Palestinian issue, the situation in Syria and freeing the Mideast region from weapons of mass destruction (WMDs).