The 66th session of the Council for Science and Technology Policy was held at the Prime Minister's Official Residence on April 24, 2007. The council members discussed the strengthening of science and technology diplomacy and proposals from a group of executive members regarding social-return projects and deepened their investigations. In addition, a new type of venticular assist device was introduced in the meeting as an example of efforts toward biomedical engineering . Prime Minister Shinzo Abe concluded the session with the comment, "I think that the problems of global warming, the environment, Africa, and especially infectious diseases will be major themes at this year's summit and next year's summit in Hokkaido. Japan is being called on to utilize its scientific and technological power and cooperate toward solving these problems. At next year's summit in Japan, we must set forth specific ideas and create an international momentum. For that purpose as well, I want the Council for Science and Technology Policy to act as a control tower and study the issues."