The Permanent Mission of Cuba at the United Nations reiterated on Tuesday this Caribbean country's willingness and commitment to strengthen friendship and cooperation with the African peoples.

This regulation was expressed in a release spread at the UN, on occasion of celebrating Africa Day today.

The message states that the anniversary takes place in the Year of Africa, proclaimed by the African Union, when the ancient Organization of African Unity has reached its 47th anniversary, "which has been a milestone for the peoples of that continent."

It also recalls that 17 regional countries: Cameroon, Senegal, Togo, Madagascar, Benin, Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Gabon, Mali, Nigeria, Mauritania and Ivory Coast, are celebrating 50 years of independence in 2010.

The Permanent Mission of Cuba at the United Nations reiterates its willingness and commitment to continue working to tighten the bonds of friendship and cooperation that join the Cuban and African peoples, the document states.