WELLINGTON -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived here Thursday for an official visit to New Zealand, the first leg of his three-nation tour from June 13 to 20.

Li said upon arrival that he looks forward to having in-depth exchanges of views with New Zealand leaders and people from all walks of life on China-New Zealand relations and issues of common concern, to further deepening exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and to updating the China-New Zealand comprehensive strategic partnership. (China-New Zealand-Bilateral Ties)

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VILNIUS -- The Rail Baltica project in the three Baltic states may need 10-19 billion euros (10.8-20.5 billion U.S. dollars) more than planned, audit institutions from Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia announced in a joint report.

"The Rail Baltica project's progress is at risk because its estimated cost has quadrupled over seven years and the project's size could lead to a budget deficit of 10-19 billion euros," the auditors said on Wednesday. (Lithuania-Rail Baltic)

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NEW YORK -- U.S. stocks ended mixed on Wednesday, as the Federal Reserve maintained its key interest rate as expected and indicated that only one cut is likely before the year's end.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 35.21 points, or 0.09 percent, to 38,712.21. The S&P 500 added 45.71 points, or 0.85 percent, to 5,421.03. The Nasdaq Composite Index increased by 264.89 points, or 1.53 percent, to 17,608.44. (US-Stocks)

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BERLIN/BRUSSELS -- The European Commission on Wednesday revealed a list of protectionist duties it would levy on imports of battery electric vehicles (EVs) from China, sparking opposition and concerns from governments and businesses across Europe.

The provisional duties envisaged by the Commission on the imports of EVs from China would range from 17.4 percent to 38.1 percent. (EU-Electric vehicles-Tariffs)

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TRIPOLI -- The Ras Ajdir border crossing, a vital land link between Libya and Tunisia, will partially reopen on Thursday following months of closure, the Libyan Interior Ministry announced on Wednesday.

The reopening decision was made after discussions between the interior ministers of both countries in Libya's capital Tripoli. Full operations at the crossing are scheduled to resume on June 20. (Libya-Tunisia-Border Crossing) Enditem

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