Yemen’s warring parties agreed on Thursday to extend a two month nationwide truce, the UN envoy to the country Hans Grundberg said.

Mr Grundberg has been holding talks with parties to the conflict for the last two months to ensure a continuation of the nationwide ceasefire that has largely held and brought calm the country.

The ceasefire started on the first day of the holy month of Ramadan.

"For the past two months, Yemenis have experienced the tangible benefits of the truce. Civilian casualties have dropped significantly, fuel deliveries through Hodeidah port have increased considerably, and commercial flights resumed to and from Sanaa International Airport after almost six years of closure," Mr Grundberg said in a statement.

Part of the truce renewal is lifting the Houthi siege on Taez province.

Representatives from the Iran-backed Houthi rebels and government have been meeting face-to-face under UN auspices for the first time in years to make progress toward opening roads in Taez and other governorates and implementing nationwide military de-escalation mechanisms, said the statement.

For years, the rebels have taken control over the province's economy and are keeping civilians boxed in by checkpoints and roadblocks.

Humanitarian agencies said people who needed urgent medical assistance often die on their way to Aden or Sanaa because of the disruption.

Mr Grundberg said he will continue to engage with the parties "to implement and consolidate all elements of the truce in full, and move towards a sustainable political settlement to the conflict that meets the legitimate aspirations and demands of Yemeni women and men."