BELGRADE, Serbia

Bulgarian Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov submitted his resignation to parliament Tuesday as part of a planned step with his party's governing coalition partner under an agreement following last year's elections.

In a statement, Denkov described his resignation as an "invitation to negotiations" with the coalition partner, the Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria (GERB) party.

"My resignation is not a political game but the result of a promise made before,' he said.

He added that his government will continue its duties until the next government is formed.

According to an agreement between the GERB party and a bloc led by Denkov's We Continue to Change party, his nine-month term expires on March 6.

Foreign Minister Maria Gabriel, who represents the GERB party, will take over as prime minister.

Denkov became prime minister following a vote of confidence from parliament on June 6 last year.

His resignation must be approved by parliament.​​​​​​​​