Turkey and Turkish Cypriot authorities sign digital infrastructure agreement

On September 8, 2026, Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz met with the Prime Minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Unal Ustel, in Ankara. During the meeting, the two sides signed an additional protocol focused on the development of a fiber-optic network within the occupied territories.

Cevdet Yilmaz described the fiber-optic initiative as a strategic move intended to improve the digital connectivity and economy of the region. He stated that the project serves to counteract the international isolation of the Turkish Cypriots, arguing that modern technology allows for better integration with the global community. Yilmaz emphasized that the initiative is designed to bolster what he termed as the "digital sovereignty" of the territory and provide a direct response to those attempting to isolate the community in the digital sphere.

This agreement follows long-standing efforts by Turkey to integrate the infrastructure of the occupied territories with its own. The project is framed as part of a broader development strategy aimed at strengthening institutional and economic ties between Ankara and the leadership in the north of the island.