"The conditions and rationale have always existed for the African people and the people of the United States to maintain a firmer bond of friendship, cooperation and partnership. There are compelling social-cultural, economic and political reasons for our two societies to be much closer and to generate more mutual benefits for our two societies to be much closer and to generate more mutual benefits than what currently prevails. One wonders as to why this potential has not been actualized during all these years." - Dr. Salim, February 16, 2000
