GABORONE, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese embassy in Botswana on Friday bid farewell to 18 Botswana Defence Force (BDF) officials who are going to attend annual training courses in China.

Military exchange and cooperation play an extraodrdinary role in bilateral relations between China and Botswana, said Zheng Zhuqiang, Chinese Ambassador to Botswana, adding that the two countries support each other in preserving state sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"China is always committed to cooperate with BDF by sponsoring BDF officers to take training courses in China," said Zheng.

Each year, China provides training opportunities to BDF personnel. In total, there have been more than 300 BDF beneficiaries.

"In its training endeavors, the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) continues to enjoy and receive tremendous support from China and this is highly appreciated," said BDF Deputy Commander Placid Segokgo, adding that the ever growing bilateral military relationship between the two countries is highlighted by the frequent high level training program.

Those present also watched a video of the the military parade held in Beijing on Sept. 3 to commemorate the victory over Japan in the World War II.