ADEN, Yemen, Sept. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Yemeni government on Tuesday welcomed the decision of the United Nations (UN) to transfer the official headquarters of its Resident Coordinator in Yemen from the Houthi-controlled capital Sanaa to the southern port city of Aden.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the relocation as "a fundamental step" that will strengthen cooperation between UN bodies and Yemeni state institutions, and enable international agencies to deliver aid more effectively across the war-ravaged Arab country.

"The Ministry encourages all agencies, funds, and programs of the United Nations to follow suit and move their country representatives to Aden," the statement said.

The Yemeni government reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with UN humanitarian and development agencies to ensure the continued delivery of assistance to people in need throughout Yemen, while guaranteeing the safety of UN personnel and aid workers "in accordance with international humanitarian law and the privileges and immunities granted to the UN."

The Yemeni foreign ministry strongly condemned the ongoing detention of dozens of humanitarian staff by the Houthi militia, demanding their "immediate and unconditional release."

On Friday, the UN Security Council condemned the additional detention of UN personnel by the Houthis in Yemen.

At least 11 UN staff members were detained last month in Sanaa and Hodeidah, bringing the total number of detained UN staff in northern Yemen to 34, according to UN Special Envoy to Yemen Hans Grundberg.

The Houthis have controlled Sanaa and much of northern Yemen since late 2014 in an ongoing conflict with the Yemeni government. The conflict has led to what the world body described as one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. ■