Turkish Vice President Visits Northern Cyprus and Announces Major Financial Agreement

On Friday, August 22, Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz arrived in Northern Cyprus. He held a joint press conference with local leader Ünal Üstel, where he outlined Turkey’s plans to support bilateral cooperation and presented details of a new agreement.

Yılmaz announced that in 2025 an agreement will be reached between Turkey and the administration of Northern Cyprus on an economic and financial cooperation program worth around 21 billion Turkish liras. According to him, this is the largest such deal between the parties. The financing is intended to develop infrastructure, healthcare, and the implementation of digital services for citizens and businesses.

During his visit, Yılmaz reaffirmed Turkey’s unwavering stance in favor of a “two-state” solution in Cyprus. He also stated that, in Ankara’s view, future negotiations should be conducted between two equal and sovereign entities. Turkey expects international recognition of the equal status of Turkish Cypriots.

One of the practical innovations announced was a digital platform for electronic interaction between citizens, businesses, and authorities, which is expected to simplify bureaucratic procedures, particularly for companies and employees.

Üstel, in turn, emphasized the strong ties with Turkey and announced the start of construction of several social infrastructure facilities — a new 320-bed medical center in Nicosia and a medical campus in Kyrenia.

For the residents of the Republic of Cyprus, events in the northern part of the island may be significant in the context of the Cyprus settlement dynamics and the practical activities of companies. In particular, infrastructure development and the launch of digital services may affect issues of commercial activity, mobility, and access to various types of services on the island.

According to official statements, Turkey will continue to implement projects in cooperation with the authorities of the northern part of the island, focusing on the development of healthcare, infrastructure, and e-government.