London-based BA said the exploratory talks would look at creating a dual-listed company but offered no other details.

CNN: British Airways in merger talks with Qantas

Portadown District Orange Lodge spokesman David Jones said these were "exploratory talks" and where they might lead to "remains to be seen".

BBC: Drumcree mediator starts work

It has also broached the idea of licensing content directly from media companies for some sort of subscription-TV service, resembling the packages offered now by cable operators, but the talks have been "exploratory, " according to people familiar with the matter.

WSJ: Apple Moves Forward With TV Plans

Flying over parts of Greenland it is easy to see exploratory mines and many firms are already in talks with Greenland's government in hopes of exploiting everything from coal to iron, gold, diamonds, and even uranium.

CNN: Farming to the fore as Greenland ice thaws

Colombian chief negotiator Humberto de la Calle told reporters that Thursday's talks were "a very important historical moment" and the second part of a process that began with exploratory negotiations in February.

BBC: Colombia and Farc negotiators launch Norway peace talks