United Nations, May 25 (RHC)-- Cuba's relationship with Africa is genetic in nature: blood, culture and spirituality of that region helped shape the island's nationality, said Cuba's alternate permanent representative to the United Nations, Ana Silvia Rodríguez.

The diplomat, who joined the celebration messages for Africa Day through her official Twitter account, recalled the bonds of friendship and fraternity that unite Cuba with Africa, its history and shared culture.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel and Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez also used Twitter to highlight the links between the Caribbean island and Africa.

According to a statement by Esteban Lazo, president of the Cuban National Assembly of People's Power, links with the African continent are essential to the history and culture of that Caribbean country.

More than 1.2 million Africans who contributed extraordinarily to the formation of the Cuban nation, were forcibly taken to the island as slaves, he said, having been uprooted from their lands by the abominable slave trade.

"The African heritage is a fundamental part of our culture, our beliefs and our customs," added the Cuban leader.