INVITATION TO PRESIDENT BUSH TO SPEAK AT 2008

UNCLAS TOKYO 000679 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT PASS OSTP FOR JOAN ROLF DHS FOR S&T DIRECTORATE - LILIA RAMIREZ E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: TSPL PREL JA SUBJECT: INVITATION TO PRESIDENT BUSH TO SPEAK AT 2008 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN SOCIETY FORUM REF: 07 TOKYO 3912 ¶1. This cable contains an action request in para 3. ¶2. Former Japanese Finance Minister Koji Omi asked the Ambassador to pass a letter to President Bush inviting him to be a keynote speaker at the Science and Technology in Society (STS) forum October 5 to 7, 2008. The Ambassador agreed to convey the message to the President, but was unsure the President would be able to make a third trip to Asia in such a short time following his trips to Japan for the G8 and China for the Olympics. He told Omi DHS Under Secretary for Science and Technology, Admiral Jay Cohen, has said he will attend the Forum this year in addition to STAS Fedoroff. He added the USG realizes the value of the conference in promoting science and technological innovation such as biotech and wants to have representation at the highest levels. Omi said he hoped the President would speak at the opening session of the Forum, along with Japanese Prime Minister Fukuda and perhaps others. (Note: Post emailed an electronic copy of the letter to EAP/J and OSTP with original to follow by pouch. End note.) ¶3. Begin letter text: Tokyo, His Excellency Mr. George W. Bush The President The White House My dear Mr. President: It is my great pleasure to invite you as our keynote speaker at the Fifth Annual Meeting of the Science and Technology in Society forum, to be held from October 5 through 7, 2008, in Kyoto, Japan, under the overall theme of: "Lights and Shadows of Science and Technology." While the progress of science and technolgoy and their applications are bringing prosperity and high quality of life to humankind, it also raises important questions on environmental, safety and ethical issues. Our Board and Council join me in sincerely hoping that you would be able to address this distinguished group of policy makers, scientists and academics, business and opinion leaders from around the world in order to discuss the problems of science and technolgoy and their application from the viewpoint of the long future of humankind. We have been receiving very enthusiastic support to this initiative, which would, indeed be blessed with unparalleled success, should you agree to be our keynote speaker for 2008. Looking very much forward to welcoming you to Kyoto this year, Respectfully yours, //s// Koji Omi Founder and Chairman, Science and Technology in Society forum Member, House of Representatives Former Minister of Finance of Japan End text. SCHIEFFER