ABV, the party of Bulgarian President (2002-2012) Georgi Parvanov, signed an agreement to work with United Russia at the latter party's congress in Moscow, ABV has said.

The left-wing party of Parvanov and the conservative-leaning organization whose former leader is Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed on Monday to "work actively and provide assistance in the further development of mutually beneficial cooperation between Bulgaria and Russia," ABV's press office notes.

Energy, economic development and the improvement of business climate are the key areas where the parties will seek to cooperate.

Parvanov, who maintained close ties with Russia during his two terms as President, was invited alongside the leader of Bulgaria's largest opposition force, the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP).

Also on Monday, Parvanov called for the revival of the South Stream gas pipeline, which Russia abandoned at the end of 2014 and which was part of the so-called "Grand Energy Slam" masterminded by him consisting of three large-scale energy projects Bulgaria was to develop with Russia.

His remarks come months before presidential elections are due in Bulgaria, amid speculation whether Parvanov will try to run for a third term in office.

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