A US delegation headed up by deputy secretary of state Bill Burns is meeting with Egypt’s interim government in Cairo this week.

He will also meet with other non-government figures including business leaders.

It is the first visit to be made by a senior US government official since the overthrowing of President Mohamed Mursi in early July.

In an official statement, the US Department of State said the visit would “underscore US support for the Egyptian people, an end to all violence and a transition leading to an inclusive, democratically-elected civilian government”.

There have been several violent clashes between the Muslim Brotherhood-backed supporters of Mursi and their opponents since the ousting of the president.

A number of key Muslim Brotherhood figures, including Mohammed Badie, have been arrested and investigated on charges of inciting violence.

The Brotherhood refuses to recognise the interim government, stating that the ousting of Mursi was a “de facto military coup” and has called for further protest rallies to take place.  

“This homeland’s constitutional, legal and popular rights and gains are being blatantly and systematically robbed,” read a statement issued by the Freedom and Justice Party on 14 July.