DHAKA: US state secretary John Kerry begins a tour of countries in the Middle East and North Africa on Sunday.

Saudi Arabia, Israel, Jordan and Morocco are among the countries listed on the itinerary, reports the BBC.

Although it is not on the official agenda, there are also reports he may visit Egypt, where relations have been strained since the overthrow of president Mohammed Mursi.

The former leader is due to go on trial on Monday.

Poland, Abu Dhabi and Algeria are also on John Kerry’s official itinerary, which spans 3 to 12 November.

Kerry, who is the United States’ top diplomat, is likely to try to repair a decades-old alliance with Egypt if his visit there goes ahead.

BDST: 1320 HRS, NOV 03, 2013
RoR/RIS