The European Union welcomes the announcement by UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg of an agreement by the parties on a further extension of the truce in Yemen for two months.

Since April 2, the truce has provided tangible benefits for the Yemeni people. The first commercial flights in six years have left Sana’a for Amman and Cairo and eighteen fuel ships have entered into the ports of Hodeidah.

We appreciate the courage and vision of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council in particular for these gestures. We also appreciate the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Sultanate of Oman, the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan for their strong support in this context.

The European Union strongly encourages the parties, especially the Houthis, to build on this positive momentum and continue their constructive engagement with the UN, agreeing swiftly on the reopening of roads notably around Taiz.

There is a real chance for a lasting peace in Yemen. After more than seven years of devastating conflict it is time - finally and for good - to end the suffering of the Yemeni people.

The European Union will continue to work with all parties in Yemen, and in full support of UN Special Envoy Grundberg, for a political settlement of the conflict.