Russia has increased its arms sales to Latin American states of late, the Russian foreign minister said on Wednesday after talks with his Mexican counterpart.

"We have recently increased supplies of Russian arms in various regions of the world, including Latin America," Sergei Lavrov said.

He added that Russia's interests in the region were "purely commercial."

Russia sold weapons worth over $8.5 billion last year, including $7.4 billion via state arms exporter Rosobornexport, which is 10% up on the previous year.

In the coming years, the country plans to export $9-$10 billion worth of arms annually.

Russia's main customers for arms were India, Algeria, China, Venezuela, Malaysia and Syria. Vietnam also emerged as a key importer after it signed a deal to buy submarines, aircraft and other military hardware from Russia late last year.

MEXICO, February 17 (RIA Novosti)