Ankara: Recent wars and conflicts in the region, particularly in Lebanon, Gaza, and Iran, have once again demonstrated the importance of cybersecurity, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday. "If you want to be strong, deterrent, and respected on the global stage, you must accelerate your efforts in cyberspace and take the necessary cybersecurity measures," Erdogan stated at the Strong Trkiye in Communication with 5G Ceremony at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, marking Trkiye's transition to 5G technology.

According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan emphasized that sovereignty is no longer confined to geography, physical borders, or a defined territory, as rapid technological and digital advancements are reshaping the traditional understanding of state power. He highlighted that the collection, processing, analysis, and transformation of data into added value, and most importantly, ensuring data security, play a critical role in this process.

Erdogan remarked, "In the data age we live in, political stability, economic independence, military deterrence, and digital sovereignty are not separate from one another." He added that controlling borders without securing airspace and protecting the cyber homeland and data presents a serious vulnerability in sovereignty.

Geopolitical superiority in the digital age will be determined not only by control over land but also by the ability to manage data. When combined with data centers, cloud infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity capacity, 5G clearly constitutes a matter of digital sovereignty and national security, Erdogan said.

Erdogan also noted that Trkiye will gradually implement additional measures to strengthen the security of data belonging to state institutions. He stated, "Our law enforcement and intelligence agencies, along with our relevant institutions, are successfully implementing preventive measures, action plans, and counter-measures to be prepared for every possible scenario." He emphasized that cybersecurity is viewed not merely as a reaction to threats but as an integral part of national security.

The 5G rollout will initially cover all 81 provincial centers and will be available nationwide within two years. Following his speech, Erdogan pressed a button on a tablet screen, marking Trkiye's transition to 5G technology.