Upon its EU entry Bulgaria is to become even more important economic partners of the US, US ambassador to Bulgaria John Beyrle told Bulgarian National Radio.

The country was an important and valuable US partners, Beyrle said. It contributed significantly to the fight against terrorism, said he.

In the coming year Bulgaria could expect increase in US investment. Bulgarians were to start thinking of themselves more and more as of Europeans, belonging both to the EU and NATO, said he.

Bulgarian Foreign Minister Ivailo Kalfin is on a visit to the US, which would last until December 21.

During his visit Kalfin will meet officials including secretary of state Condoleezza Rice, secretary of energy Samuel Bodman and national intelligence head John Negroponte.

Beyrle said that during the visit Kalfin was going to receive assurances from all US officials on the importance of Bulgaria as US partner in economic transactions and international peacekeeping operations.