DUBAI, (Reuters) – Saudi Arabia said it welcomed the peaceful transition of power in Egypt, the state news agency reported on Saturday, one day after popular unrest forced Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to step down.

“The government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia welcomes the peaceful transition of power in the Arab Republic of Egypt, and expresses hope in the efforts of the Egyptian armed forces to restore peace, stability and tranquility,” the Saudi news agency said.