MOSCOW, June 17 (Reuters) - The leaders of Russia and China on Wednesday trumpeted fast-growing bilateral trade and investment as symbols of a closer political relationship which also underlined the importance of emerging markets globally.

The two countries have signed energy deals worth a record US$100 billion (S$150 billion) this year, and the Russian Economy Ministry said on Wednesday that China overtook Germany and the Netherlands as Russia's biggest trade partner in the first four months of 2009.

'Deeper, practical cooperation has an especially important significance in overcoming the difficulties that face our countries,' Chinese President Hu Jintao said after wide-ranging talks with Russia's Dmitry Medvedev in Moscow.

In a joint statement, the two leaders called for a greater role for emerging economies on the world financial stage and a bigger use of national currencies in bilateral trade.

'It is essential...to move forward the work on the creation of favourable conditions for widening the sphere of settlement in roubles and yuan,' the statement said, also calling for more active financing of trade deals by Russian and Chinese banks.

Although China has not echoed Russia's repeated calls for less world reliance on the dollar, the plan for more bilateral trade in national currencies could weigh on the greenback.

China and Russia, respectively holders of the world's first and third biggest reserves, are playing a growing role on the global stage as developed economies are hit by the crisis.

Nine of the statement's 14 pages focused on economic issues.

Mr Medvedev valued a spring deal for Russia to supply China with oil for 20 years at a record US$100 billion, while Russian oil companies get US$25 billion in loans .

Mr Hu came to Russia for a state visit which included two summits of developing world countries covering global trade, security and greater representation for emerging market powers on the world stage. -- REUTERS