Syria Signs Deal to Land First International Submarine Cable Connecting 12 Nations

Syria has signed an agreement with Barcelona-based Medusa Submarine Cable System to land its first international undersea cable, marking a significant advancement in the country's digital infrastructure. This submarine cable will connect Syria with 12 countries across North Africa and southern Europe, creating a strategic corridor linking the Mediterranean to the Atlantic Ocean and the Red Sea. The initiative aims to address Syria's poor internet connectivity, which has been severely affected by years of civil conflict and Western sanctions, forcing many users to rely on costly mobile data. Following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, the new Syrian government is prioritizing rebuilding public services and modernizing telecommunications, with plans to invest around $300 million in developing a fiber-optic network. This project aligns with the broader "Silk Link" initiative to position Syria as a digital bridge between Asia and Europe through public-private partnerships with global companies. Communications Minister Abdulsalam Haykal described the submarine cable landing as a strategic step toward Syria's digital transformation and future connectivity.