Boris Tadic, presidential candidate of the Democratic Party (DS), said Saturday at a signing of a deal on financing the reconstruction of Morava Airport in Ladjevci, that the airport would open up new perspectives in central Serbia.

Tadic said the airport would not help only the citizens of Kraljevo, but the entire region, because some two million people would use the airport.

The runway at the airport, which will be overhauled using funds provided by the Turkish government, will be extended by the end of next year, said Tadic, adding he was proud of the public facilities which would be around for generations to come.

Tadic recalled that the Serbian Spatial Plan through 2020 includes plans for constructing a highway network which would offer young people new chances or reaching top colleges.

"By giving the people use of this airport, the Serbian army and Ministry of Defense have proven they are a factor of development, rather than a spender," said Tadic.

When it comes to strategic partnership with Turkey, which donated EUR 10 million for Morava Airport, Tadic said he expected new investments in southeastern Serbia.

Tadic noted that in addition to Turkey, Serbia had strategic partnerships with China, France and Azerbaijan, which were also involved in some capital infrastructure projects.

Tadic said a lot had been done for Kraljevo following the earthquake but the region's former business giants still needed assistance.