The Turkish government will invest EUR 10 million in Morava Airport in Ladjevci near Kraljevo after Serbia's Defense Minister Dragan Sutanovac and Turkish Ambassador Ali Riza Colak signed a donation agreement Saturday.

One part of the military airport in Ladjevci was converted into the civilian airport named Morava.

Minister said the conversion cost EUR 25 million and in addition to the Turkish donation, the funds were provided from the National Investment Plan budget, Belgrade Airport and the Air Traffic Control Agency.

"This is what people in this part of Serbia have wanted for decades, a project that many have promised but that we are bringing to life," said Sutanovac, noting that the defense system was getting a modernized airport which would be owned by the Ministry of Defense and the state of Serbia.

In the second stage, the runway at the civilian airport will be widened and lengthened to accommodate the largest aircraft which fly on international routes.

Sutanovac thanked the Turkish government, especially the Ministry of Defense on their cooperation and donation.

Ambassador Colak said Morava Airport would facilitate travel for people in this region and boost tourism and the overall economy in central Serbia.

This donation also shows the Turkish government believes cooperation with Serbia has a future. I am sure there will be many more investors from Turkey in the coming period, said Colak.

The deal was signed in the presence of Chief of Serbian Armed Forces General Staff Lt Gen Ljubisa Dikovic and candidate for president Boris Tadic, and accompanied by an army air show.