As the world anticipates the fifth Antalya Diplomacy Forum, scheduled to take place from April 17 to 19, 2026, in Antalya, Turkey, preparations are underway to welcome a diverse array of participants. The forum is expected to host representatives from over 150 countries, with more than 460 high-level participants, including 20 heads of state and 15 deputy leaders. This event has become a significant platform for dialogue and high-level diplomatic engagement since its inception in 2021.

In the lead-up to the forum, Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has been vocal about the geopolitical tensions in the region, particularly regarding Israel. He has urged Islamic nations to work towards suspending Israel from participating in UN General Assembly meetings, a move that underscores the strained relations between Turkey and Israel, which have fluctuated over the past decade due to disagreements over Gaza and Palestinian statehood.

Turkey has also taken a more assertive stance in international legal matters, joining South Africa’s case at the International Court of Justice, which accuses Israel of genocide. This legal involvement reflects Turkey’s commitment to addressing what it perceives as injustices in the region. Additionally, the Turkish Foreign Ministry has issued statements regarding an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by the International Criminal Court, labeling him as the ‘Hitler of the era’ and describing him as a criminal with arrest warrants to his name.

Meanwhile, the Antalya Diplomacy Forum continues to grow in prominence. It is anticipated that around 5,000 guests will attend, including 75 representatives from international organizations. The forum aims to foster cooperation and dialogue among nations, which is increasingly vital in today’s complex geopolitical landscape.

In a different context, Azerbaijan has emerged as a significant player in Turkey’s educational landscape. The country has the highest number of applicants for the Türkiye Foreign Student Admission Exam (TR-YOS), which was held simultaneously in Turkey and 26 other countries. This trend highlights the increasing interest in Turkish higher education, with over 70,000 foreign students enrolling in Turkish universities each year.

Cengiz Ceylan, a representative from the Turkish educational authorities, noted, “We receive the highest number of applications from Azerbaijan,” indicating a strong bilateral relationship that extends beyond politics into education and cultural exchange. The TR-YOS exam, organized by OSYM since 2022, serves as a gateway for many foreign students aspiring to study in Turkey.

The Antalya Diplomacy Forum’s role in facilitating dialogue and cooperation among nations is more crucial than ever, especially in light of the ongoing tensions in the Middle East. As Turkey positions itself as a mediator and a voice for Islamic nations, the outcomes of this forum could have significant implications for international relations and regional stability.

As the forum approaches, the international community will be watching closely to see how Turkey navigates its relationships with Israel and other nations, as well as how it leverages its growing influence in educational and diplomatic spheres. The developments at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum could shape the future of Turkey’s foreign policy and its role on the global stage.