TRT has been bringing together global actors and experts since 2017 and this year "Decentralized World: Who Leads When the Rules Are Invalid?" Experts made evaluations to the AA correspondent at the 10th TRT World Forum 2026, which was held with the theme.
Researcher Danya Kulaylat Hatib, one of the founders of the Cooperation and Peacebuilding Research Center in Lebanon, stated that the Mecca Agreement is the only way to stop Israel's expansionism and aggression, and that it can make a great contribution to security and stability for countries like Lebanon.
Emphasizing that the agreement fills an important gap in the region, Hatib said, "I stated that there was a need for a regional security architecture, and then the Mecca Agreement emerged. You can say that I foresaw this need in the region; because if there was a need, it had to be met at some point." he said.
"A regional bloc is necessary to put pressure on Israel"
Noting that the Mecca Agreement played a critical role in ensuring stability in the region, Hatib said, "This agreement is the only way to stop Israel's expansionism and aggression. Moreover, this is a broad structure that may include Iran in the future. If Iran and Egypt are included in this structure in the future, we will have sufficient deterrence and bargaining power to pressure Israel to change its attitude." made his assessment.
Pointing out that until now, only the USA was relied upon to restrain Israel, Hatib said, "However, the USA did not apply the necessary pressure on Israel. For this reason, we, as regional countries, must come together, trust each other and strengthen this bloc that will create deterrence on Israel." he said.
"A vital assurance for small countries"
Reminding that Syrian Foreign Minister Assad Hasan Shaybani also visited Pakistan and showed the will to join this structure, Hatib said, "Especially for fragile countries such as Lebanon, a Mecca Agreement-style formation is the most effective way to establish security." he said.
Stating that the Lebanese army and its resources are limited and cannot act alone, Hatib said:
"Even if you arm the Lebanese army, they cannot protect themselves against Israel on their own. However, they will have a deterrent power when they are part of this pact. It is vital that the founding and supporting pillars of the pact are regional actors such as Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and, in the future, Egypt. This will provide a strong security guarantee for smaller countries."
"It may facilitate reconciliation in the Eastern Mediterranean"
Stating that maritime jurisdictions and border determination issues involve multidimensional political balances, Hatib evaluated the reflections of the normalization steps among the countries in the region on the Eastern Mediterranean.
Hatib concluded his words as follows:
"The idea of leaving Türkiye out of the equation was behind Egypt's maritime jurisdiction agreement with Greece in the past. However, today, relations between Turkey and Egypt are quite strong. I believe that this rapprochement between the two countries will facilitate a common compromise in the Eastern Mediterranean. The meeting of Syria, Turkey, Lebanon and Egypt on the same ground will prepare a suitable basis for the solution of the Eastern Mediterranean crisis."
Emphasis on "diplomacy, defense and deterrence"
Ali Awadh Asseri, former Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Beirut and Islamabad, and also Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the International Institute of Iranian Studies (Rasanah), one of the participants of TRT World Forum, stated that the organization offers an excellent opportunity to discuss global issues.
Asseri pointed out that the Mecca Agreement was a great success for the party countries and said, "It is necessary to understand that this alliance does not target any country, including Iran. This initiative is a completely defense and deterrence-oriented step taken by the countries to protect themselves." he said.
Reminding that the countries that signed the agreement have deep-rooted relations, Asseri said:
"Saudi Arabia has large economic resources and a strong industry. Turkey stands out with its developed defense industry and strong army. Pakistan also has important military and strategic facilities. These three countries have established a solid structure on the axis of diplomacy, defense and deterrence. These three concepts summarize the main objectives of the Mecca Agreement."
Stability and investment expectations for Lebanon
Stating that the agreement does not directly cover Lebanon at this stage, Asseri said, "Lebanon is currently going through a critical political process and is trying to make reforms in various areas." He drew attention to the state's efforts to restore public authority and security monopoly.
Emphasizing that Riyadh has strong ties with Beirut, Asseri made the following assessment:
"Today, we see an effective government in Lebanon that tries to meet the expectations of the people. Lebanon is a country that stands out with its geographical location and tourism potential. I predict that as stability is achieved in the country, the problems in banking, industry and development will be overcome, and foreign investors and tourists will turn to Lebanon again."
Asseri also pointed out the deep-rooted ties between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, describing the relations between the two countries as "exceptional, enduring and brotherly".
The potential to transform regional security into institutional cooperation
One of the forum participants, Dr. Abdullah Musab Şahin described the Mecca Alliance as a strategic achievement in terms of regional peace and stability.
Drawing attention to the most distinctive feature of the alliance, Şahin said, "The most critical aspect of the Mecca Alliance is its potential to transform regional security beyond conjunctural political will into an institutional cooperation model based on mutual responsibility and trust between states." he said.
Şahin stated that Lebanon has been struggling with political, economic and security crises for many years, and stated that the alliance will have positive reflections on Lebanon, which has a key role in the Middle East balances.
Emphasizing that reducing regional tensions and strengthening state institutions is a priority in solving fundamental issues such as election processes and disarmament of non-state elements, Şahin said that this situation will give Lebanon a breath of fresh air.
New diplomatic window for Lebanon
Stating that the strategic rapprochement between Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan will create a new balance element in the Middle East, Şahin said, "Especially considering the historical and social ties of Turkey and Saudi Arabia with Lebanon, I believe that this cooperation will open new diplomatic and political opportunity windows for the Beirut administration." made his assessment.
Reminding that early election discussions have come to the fore again in Lebanon and that legislative proposals for 2027 have been presented, Şahin concluded his words as follows:
"In such sensitive periods, political actors in Lebanon closely follow the attitude and support of regional actors. The Mecca Alliance can be an important lever at this point. Strong coordination between Turkey and Saudi Arabia will play a constructive role in ensuring political consensus in Lebanon, establishing state authority and reducing regional tension."
