The issue of biodiversity conservation should not become a hostage of political differences. Ruslan Edelgeriev, assistant to the President of Russia, announced this during the "Leaders of Biodiversity" summit held in Yerevan on October 16 within the framework of COP17. He explained that since biodiversity protection is a universal problem, international cooperation in this field should be free from politicization and unfair competition. "Only the open cooperation of scientists and experts will bring real results," he emphasized. According to him, any agreement on their access and joint use of benefits should take into account this principle and be based on voluntariness. "In addition, we advocate a non-discriminatory approach to ensuring access to resources and their transparent spending. The creation of new structures should not lead to duplication of functions and increase in costs," Edelgeriev noted. Putin's assistant noted that the Russian delegation is ready for constructive work and the search for balanced solutions that will meet the interests of all parties.