Trump's envoy visits Kosovo in push for new talks with Serbia

U.S. special envoy Richard Grenell is welcomed by Kosovo President Hashim Thaci in Pristina, Kosovo, October 9, 2019. REUTERS/Laura Hasani

PRISTINA (Reuters) - A special envoy of U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Kosovo on Wednesday three days after it held an election, in a new push to restart talks with Serbia to reach a final deal that would pave the way for Kosovo's membership in the United Nations.

Kosovo, a former province of Serbia, declared independence in 2008, but this has not been recognised by Belgrade. Both countries have been strongly encouraged by the United States and EU to normalise their relations with each other.