David Cameron has landed in Cairo at the start of a tour of the Middle East to promote political reform as protests grip the region.
The prime minister is the first Western leader to visit Egypt since the government of Hosni Mubarak fell following days of anti-government protests.
Cameron's trip will focus on promoting political reform, developing business links and strengthening security ties and he is due to meet with opposition politicians as well as the current government.
The prime minister will be joined on his foreign tour by representatives from the British manufacturing, finance and defence industries as well as from the UK's universities.
In a meeting with Field Marshall Mohammed Tantawi in the Egyptian capital this morning Cameron said Britain wanted to help contribute to a "successful political transition"
He said: "This is a great opportunity for us to go and talk to those currently running Egypt to make sure this really is a genuine transition from military rule to civilian rule and see what friendly countries like Britain and others in Europe can do to help."
His surprise trip comes as protests sweep through the region following the successful unseating of Mubarak and the regime in nearby Tunisia.
In Libya the government of Muammar Gaddafi is under increasing pressure as protestors take to the streets of Tripoli.
The prime minister's spokesman said this morning that Cameron viewed the violent reaction of Gaddafi's regime to the demonstrators as "horrific and unacceptable".
According to Human Rights Watch at least 233 people have died since Thursday.
It was also confirmed this morning that Britain has suspended eight arms export licenses it had previously granted the North African country.
The escalating violence in the country has placed a spotlight on Britain's relationship with the Gaddafi regime - which is seen by some as to cosy.
Britain has also revoked its arms export license to Bahrain in the wake of protests there.
Downing Street also said that the prime minister would not seek to "lecture" the leaders of the region on how to reform their political systems but that "leaders in the Middle East do seek the advice of the United Kingdom".
Have your say...
Please enter your comments below.