A top American diplomat today assured American support to democratic process in Egypt, saying Washington wants the Arab country to be strong, democratic and tolerant.

Assistant Secretary of State William Burns, the highest US official to visit Egypt following ouster of the country's first democratically elected president Mohammed Morsi, urged Egyptian leaders to engage in dialogue and end violence.

Speaking at a press conference here, he said the US wants Egypt to be strong, democratic and tolerant and to deal with the needs of its people and respect their rights. Burns earlier held talks with Egypt's interim president and prime minister-designate.

He also met members of armed forces, representatives of political parties, NGOs, activists, religious figures and businessmen. Pointing out that President Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry had asked him to visit Egypt, Burns said the message was clear that the US will continue to support democratic success and prosperity in Egypt.

"Only Egyptians can determine their future," he said, underlining that he has not come to Egypt with a US solution or to give lectures.

"The US does not seek to impose a certain model in Egypt but will support certain main principles," he said.