SOFIA, July 9 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice paid a brief visit to Bulgaria Wednesday to discuss political and military cooperation at the invitation of her Bulgarian counterpart Ivailo Kalfin, the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry said.

    Bulgarian Foreign Minister Kalfin, also deputy prime minister, said Rice's visit to Bulgaria is an important part of their excellent bilateral relations, adding that ties had never been better in their 105 years.

    "We have discussed a number of global and regional issues," Rice said, stressing the importance of energy security and cooperation.

    The U.S. top diplomat said she expects developments on these issues as Bulgaria is an important partner and hopes to find ways to secure energy supplies to ensure that both economies will continue growing.

    Talking about Russia's reaction to a missile defense radar deal signed by the U.S. and the Czech Republic, Rice said that Russia's reaction was predictable, but disappointing given that she and U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates have made efforts to offer Russia transparency and confidence building measures on the proposed missile defense system.

    Rice said the actual threat Russia should consider is Iran, as it is developing long-range missiles.

    Later Wednesday, President Georgi Purvanov decorated Rice with the highest state order, Balkan Range Class 1, for her exceptional contribution to resolving the case of Bulgarian medics in Libya and their return to Bulgaria.