South Africa is a key partner of Bulgaria and the EU in energy security, economic cooperation, environment, education and cultural exchange, Bulgaria's President Radev said at an official ceremony at which he conferred the Order of the Madara Horseman, First Class, on the Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to Bulgaria, Thabo Thage. The order is bestowed for H.E. Thage's particular contribution to the development and deepening of bilateral relations.