Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia led the chorus of congratulations to Egypt on its successful efforts to free a stranded giant ship in the Suez Canal, the Saudi Press Agency reported, citing an official statement.

The Ever Given container ship was freed on Monday after it blocked the canal for almost a week.

“The Kingdom particularly appreciates the leadership of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi for these efforts in dealing with the accident, the high efficiency of the people of the Egyptian people and their dedication to restoring international maritime traffic to its normal course,” the statement read.

“Saudi Arabia renews its support for Egypt and its efforts to ensure the flow of navigation, maritime trade, and global supply in the Suez Canal,” the statement added.

Earlier in the day, Admiral Osama Rabie, chairman and managing director of Suez Canal Authority, thanks to the countries which offered help to Egypt in dealing with the crisis, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, China, and France.

In a televised statement, he affirmed that the authority will work around the clock to deal with 356 stranded ships within three days.

Bahrain also commended the remarkable achievement of Egypt under the leadership of President El-Sisi to end the crisis of the stranded ship in the Suez Canal.

Bahrain's foreign ministry lauded the tireless efforts exerted by the various salvage teams and the competent authorities, and the outstanding capabilities and high efficiency they have shown in managing the crisis and dealing with this unfortunate accident to restore the international maritime traffic in the canal to its normal course.