CAIRO, Aug 2 (Aswat Masriya) - United States Secretary of State John Kerry told an Egyptian press conference on Sunday that there must be differentiation between those who use violence for their own purposes and those who wish to peacefully participate in political dialogue. 

Kerry and Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shukri held a joint press conference, aired live on state television, after holding strategic dialogue, which Kerry described as "very honest". 

Kerry and Shukri agreed to hold regular strategic dialogue every two years, unless there is a need to hold exceptional meetings earlier.

The top American diplomat said his country supports Egypt's fight against "terrorism" but said there must be trust between the government and the people, adding without this trust, there will be more violence. 

Kerry said whether or not Egypt has achieved a balance between upholding human rights and fighting "terrorism", will become clear in months, when the parliamentary elections are held. Egypt has yet to set a date for the elections. 

Shukri said there are no journalists held in Egyptian prisons in relation to being journalists or to freedom of expression, in response to a journalist's question. They face "terror"-related charges, Shukri said, adding that they can defend themselves before courts. 

The Egyptian minister said the two countries agreed to "double efforts" made to combat "terrorism" and extremism and to "expand cooperation" geared towards fighting extremism.

They also decided to reach new ideas to set the tone for bi-lateral ties, especially on the military level. 

Egypt's relations with the U.S. turned tense when the U.S. temporarily halted its military aid to the Middle Eastern country following the military ouster of former Islamist President Mohamed Mursi in July 2013, after mass protests against his rule. 

Military aid has nevertheless eventually resumed.

The U.S. delivered eight F-16 fighter jets to Egypt last week. 

Kerry is due to meet with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi later on Sunday.