United Nations envoy Martin Griffiths met Yemeni officials in Riyadh today as part of efforts to kick-start peace talks next month between Huthi rebels and the Saudi-backed government.

The Yemeni state-run news agency Saba said Griffiths, who is spearheading efforts to hold peace talks in Sweden in December, met Yemen’s Vice President Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar and Foreign Minister Khalid al-Yamani in the Saudi capital.

The UN envoy is also expected to meet with Yemen’s internationally recognised President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi.

The visit comes as a tenuous calm settles over the rebel-held port city of Hodeida, a vital lifeline for imports and aid which had seen fierce clashes in a renewed offensive by a Saudi-led military coalition.

Under heavy international pressure, the Yemeni government and the coalition have largely suspended their five-month battle to seize Hodeida.