The Committee had constantly had the issue of the relations between South Africa and Cuba in its business programme since 2009. The issues discussed ranged from the selfless sacrifice the Cuban people made during the liberation struggle in South Africa and in Southern Africa; the strong political and solidarity commitment the Cuban government and people had shown in the fight against apartheid; the solidarity with the Cuban people against the American economic embargo on Cuba; the call for the release of the Cuban Five in prison in America; the contribution of the Cuban government to address domestic challenges in South Africa, especially in health, education and science and technology; and the contribution of the South African government to the upliftment of the economic activity in Cuba through an Economic Assistance Package.