OAU Summit to Launch the African Union

At his final OAU Summit, Dr. Salim bids farewell to the OAU as the Assembly of Heads of State and Government usher in a new era with the African Union:

"From Sirte to Lusaka, we have strived to meet the expectations of this Assembly and to lay the foundation for the transformation of the OAU to the African Union. The presence of so many Heads of State and Government during this debate on the African Union, provides me with a good opportunity before your departure from Lusaka, to thank all of you once again, for the confidence that you had reposed in me over the period of the last 12 years when I had the singular honor and privilege to serve as Secretary General of our Continental Organization." - Dr. Salim, July 10, 2001