Aden (South24) 

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Today, UN Envoy to Yemen Hans Grundberg arrived in the capital city Aden after visiting the Houthi-controlled Sanaa. 

According to Saba, Grundberg met the Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) Rashad Al-Alimi.

Earlier this morning, Grundberg made remarks at a press conference prior his departure from Sanaa.

"I had positive meetings with the authorities in Sanaa," he said. "We had frank, detailed and constructive discussions on the way forward. I was encouraged by what I've heard."

The UN Envoy mentioned a number of points that must be included in any upcoming agreement, foremost of which is a permanent ceasefire, and several demands representing the Houthis, such as the payment of salaries.

"Any agreement should ensure more destinations and flights to and from Sanaa airport," Grundberg said. It should also ensure the smooth and unhindered opening of Hodeidah's ports and the resumption of the country's oil exports."

"The parties need to take bold steps toward ending the conflict," Grundberg said, noting that cooperation at the regional level "contributes to the current conductive environment."

Rashad Al-Alimi's statements in Aden after the meeting with Grundberg indicate that the two men discussed the Houthi terms, which the group is keen to present to Saudi Arabia mainly.

Al-Alimi said, "We welcome the recent statement of the UN Security Council, in which it called on the parties to engage in good faith in peace efforts, and for any negotiation process to be based on agreed upon references, especially UN resolutions."

Grundberg said at the press conference in Sanaa that his visit to Aden would be to hear the Yemeni government's views on the way forward.