Kosovo President Hashim Thaci and First Lady Lumnije Thaci were received by the current US President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump during a side-event organized as the United Nations General Assembly convenes this week in New York.

The two presidents had a brief meeting, announced the Kosovo President’s Office in a press release.

“The Head of State thanked President Trump for his personal support for Kosovo,” the press statement reads, adding that Thaci stressed the US’ role as “a strategic partner” and that its support “is crucial to the peace, stability and overall development of Kosovo and the region.”

Lume and myself thanked @realDonaldTrump & @FLOTUS for their support and ledership for freedom and liberty in #Kosovo and the world. pic.twitter.com/gKdXET0ae4

— Hashim Thaçi (@HashimThaciRKS) September 20, 2017

President Thaci is leading a Kosovo delegation in New York as the world leaders assemble in the American city for the annual United Nations General Assembly, which runs throughout September.

Kosovo is not a member of the UN and does not have observer status, but the Kosovo delegation is in New York in an effort to lobby for the country’s international recognition. Throughout the week they will be meeting heads of state and official representatives in the margins of the UNGA events.

Accompanied by the Kosovo ambassador to the US Vlora Citaku and Foreign Minister Behgjet Pacolli, President Thaci met with the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Saint Vincent and Grenadines Sir Louis Straker, urging his country to follow ten Caribbean states that have already recognized Kosovo’s independence.

On Tuesday, President Thaci also met with the President of European Council Donald Tusk to discuss the country’s commitment to the Brussels-facilitated dialogue with Serbia.  Thaci also met with the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday.

I welcome determination to progress in dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. #UNGA pic.twitter.com/liPeWBaGU0

— Donald Tusk (@eucopresident) September 19, 2017

Great meeting w/ @RT_Erdogan. #Turkey has been an important @ strategic partner in our efforts to obtain recognition in world stage. #UNGA pic.twitter.com/EvkzO0OJri

— Hashim Thaçi (@HashimThaciRKS) September 19, 2017

“Kosovo is grateful to Turkey for its role in supporting Kosovo’s membership in international organizations and recognitions from other countries,” Thaci said to the Turkish President according to a press statement issued by the President’s Office.

During the meeting Thaci also called for more bilateral cooperation in economy and invited Erdogan to visit Kosovo.