It was attended by the Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, Leonid Brezhnev, and IOC President Lord Killanin.

Due to changes made to the Olympic charter in 1969, it became mandatory for the organizing country to demonstrate various elements of its culture during the opening and closing ceremonies.

The USSR authorities wanted to put on a spectacle to impress the rest of the world, so highly produced artistic performances were included after the protocolar elements finished.

Since then, subsequent opening ceremonies had a high level artistic programs, and it is now seen as an important aspect of the Games.

[citation needed] After the Salyut 6 crew greetings the cultural performances started under the theme of the Friendship of the Peoples.