As described by Dr. Salim in his Notes (Wednesday June 15, 1994)
"In my opening remarks I highlighted first and foremost the historic nature of the Assembly and in the process underscored inter alia the following elements:
- It was a Summit of celebration for the triumph of freedom and democracy in South Africa. The presence of President Nelson Mandela in Assembly was symbolic of the giant victory.
- A Summit to close the chapter of decolonisation
- A Summit to review the current challenges of the continent in terms of how to fasten economic development and cooperation."
