Over 30 U.S. manufacturing groups call for end to gov't shutdown

More than 30 U.S. manufacturing groups on Wednesday called on Congress to reopen the federal government without delay as the ongoing shutdown hampers economic activities.

"An open and fully functioning government is essential to the growth of the American economy, the success of manufacturers across the country and the wellbeing of our communities," the manufacturers said in a letter to congressional leaders.

German FM visits Damascus, pledges support for Syria's transition

Visiting German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul met here on Thursday with Syrian interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa and foreign affairs chief Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, and reaffirmed Germany's commitment to supporting Syria's political and economic transition.

During a press conference following the meeting, Wadephul said Syria is entering a decisive stage of rebuilding, which must ensure the "dignity and security" for all its citizens, "regardless of gender, religious, ethnic, or social background."

China unveils outcomes of China-U.S. economic, trade talks in Kuala Lumpur

China's Ministry of Commerce on Thursday unveiled the outcomes achieved by Chinese and U.S. delegations during their recent economic and trade talks in Kuala Lumpur.

The U.S. side will cancel the 10-percent so-called "fentanyl tariffs" and suspend, for an additional year, the 24-percent reciprocal tariffs levied on Chinese goods, including goods from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Macao Special Administrative Region, according to a spokesperson of the ministry.

China will make corresponding adjustments to its countermeasures against the aforementioned U.S. tariffs, the spokesperson said, noting that both sides have agreed to continue extending certain tariff exclusion measures.

5 new arrests made in Louvre jewel heist probe

Five new arrests were made on Wednesday evening as part of the investigation into the jewel robbery at the Louvre Museum, Paris Prosecutor Laure Beccuau announced Thursday on RTL radio.

According to Beccuau, the operation targeted a key suspect believed to have been directly involved in the heist. DNA evidence has linked the man to the crime scene, she said. At this stage, however, searches have not led to the recovery of the stolen jewelry.