Lebanon state media says Israeli strikes hit central Beirut

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet on Tuesday welcomed talks between US and Ukrainian officials, which were hosted by the Kingdom as part of its efforts to bring an end to the three-year conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

The talks took place in Jeddah on Tuesday at the direction of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and in the presence of the Kingdom’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.

The Cabinet also discussed the results of talks between the crown prince and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that took place on Monday.

The talks included an emphasis on the Kingdom’s support for international efforts aimed at finding a solution to the crisis in Ukraine and achieving lasting peace, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The two countries also praised the strength of their economic ties and welcomed the re-establishment of the Joint Business Council during the talks, SPA said.

The Cabinet also reviewed regional and international meetings held in the Kingdom that sought to consolidate the foundations of cooperation and partnership and enhance consultation and coordination to address current challenges in the region.

The Cabinet commended the contents of the statement issued by the recent Organization of Islamic Cooperation meeting held in Jeddah and emphasized the Kingdom’s complete rejection of calls to displace the Palestinian people from their land. It affirmed the Kingdom’s continued work with friendly countries to advance the implementation of the two-state solution.

It also commended measures taken by the Syrian leadership to preserve civil peace in the country and complete the process of building state institutions to achieve security and stability. It reiterated the Kingdom’s full support for the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Syria.

The Cabinet also discussed the positive growth rates achieved by economic activities in 2024, reflecting the success of Saudi Vision 2030 programs and the progress made in major projects and national strategies.

The Cabinet said that celebrating Saudi Flag Day is an affirmation of pride in its value that extends throughout the history of the Saudi state since its founding.

It affirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with international organizations in various fields, including chairing the 69th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women.

Author: Haruki Murakami

Haruki Murakami’s novel “The City and Its Uncertain Walls,” with an English translation by Philip Gabriel, is a mesmerizing journey into the complexities of human emotions, memory and the elusive nature of reality.

As I delved into its pages, I found myself drawn into a world that felt both familiar and strangely distant, echoing the sentiments of my own life experiences.

The 2024 novel revolves around a nameless protagonist who navigates the labyrinthine streets of a city that is both vibrant and haunting. Murakami’s signature blend of magical realism and profound introspection creates a narrative that challenges the reader to ponder the walls we build around ourselves — both physically and emotionally.

The city serves as a character in its own right, with its “uncertain walls” symbolizing the barriers we erect to protect ourselves from pain and vulnerability.

Interestingly, the story has its roots in a short story published by Murakami in 1980, also titled “The City and Its Uncertain Walls.” The writer has expressed that he felt he could never let go of that initial narrative, which drove him to expand it into this larger, more fulfilling work.

One of the most striking aspects of the book is Murakami’s ability to evoke a sense of loneliness amid the bustling cityscape. As I read, I was reminded of my own moments of isolation, even in crowded spaces.

The protagonist’s encounters with various individuals — each grappling with their own fears and desires — resonated deeply with me. It made me reflect on the connections we seek and the disconnections we often experience in modern life.

The novel invites readers to engage with complex themes, making it impossible to summarize in a straightforward way. It led me to compare it to “1Q84,” one of my favorite Murakami novels, which also delves into parallel universes and unconventional love stories. However, “The City and Its Uncertain Walls” leans more toward philosophical exploration, prompting contemplation about reality and self.

The narrative unfolds in three parts, beginning with a young love story reminiscent of classic fantasy, where a boy searches for a girl who has mysteriously vanished. The first part conjures images of a medieval world, complete with castles and guards, which initially felt disconnected from my expectations of Murakami’s style.

The second part washes over the reader like a wave of melancholic familiarity, anchoring us back to the essence of Murakami’s storytelling.

In conclusion, “The City and Its Uncertain Walls” is more than just a novel; it is an exploration of the human condition. Murakami’s ability to capture the essence of solitude and connection left a lasting impression on me.

The book is a testament to the power of storytelling, inviting readers to reflect on their own lives while navigating the uncertain walls we all confront. I emerged from its pages with a renewed appreciation for the beauty and complexity of existence.