Moscow - In the first visit ever by a Bolivian leader to Moscow, President Evo Morales on Monday secured agreements from Russian President Dmitry Medvedev for investment in the gas sector and to help fight drug trafficking in Moscow.

Morales said he was seeking Russia's help in fighting drug cultivation. He said Bolivia, the third-largest producer of cocaine- making plants, was in need of Russian helicopters and other aircraft, since the United States stopped supporting efforts to eradicate illegal coca farming.

Russia has lately been stepping up its diplomatic efforts with those countries in Latin America - such as Cuba and Venezuela - which are critical toward the United States. The move is an apparent bid to boost Russian influence, including in military-defence matters, in the region.

"The growth of relations with Latin America is not a competitive decision, or the desire to challenge anyone," Medvedev said in apparent reference to Washington's traditional influence in the region.

In a meeting at the Kremlin, the two heads of states signed an agreement for the loan of Russian aircraft to Bolivia.

Another agreement paved the way for a reported 3-billion-dollar- deal with Gazprom. It allows Gazprom's involvement in the development of Bolivia's natural gas industry, the creation of a regional gas institute and builds upon an earlier agreement that includes France's energy major Total.

"Energy is the most important line of bilateral activity, mainly Russia's cooperation in the development of hydrocarbons," Medvedev said. "A memorandum with Gazprom has been signed that paves the way for practical action." (dpa)