Demonstrators opposing the Islamist government gather outside the Foreign Ministry of Egypt as U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is on his first visit to the country since taking office.

Alongside his counterpart Kerry said he wants to play a constructive role.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) UNITED STATES SECRETARY OF STATE, JOHN KERRY, SAYING:

"We're not here to interfere, I'm here to listen. We're not here to urge anybody to take one particular action or another, though we have a point of view and certainly I will express that. But what we support is democracy and the people and the nation of Egypt."

Kerry said the focus needs to be on the economy.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) UNITED STATES SECRETARY OF STATE, JOHN KERRY, SAYING:

"We do believe that in this moment of serious economic challenge that it's important for the Egyptian people to come together around the economic choices and to find some common ground in making those choices."

Kerry is expected to