Hanoi, March. 24 (PTI): Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee, who is on an official visit here, has said India and Vietnam should take bilateral relations to a new height by bolstering cooperation in trade, education, science and technology.

Chatterjee, who met National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Phu Trong here yesterday, said the signing of a joint declaration on a comprehensive cooperational framework in 2003 was a step towards improving bilateral relations between the two countries.

National Assembly Chairman Trong expressed gratitude at India's support during Vietnam's negotiations regarding World Trade Organisation membership and its candidacy for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council for the 2008-09 term.

"Vietnam always prioritises long-term friendly and cooperative relations with India," Trong was quoted as saying by local news agency VNA.

Trong sought Indian assistance in finance, technology and managerial experiences, particularly in biotechnology, information technology, education and training, adding that India excels in these areas.

Chatterjee also met President Nguyen Minh Triet, who thanked India for its assistance in its struggle for independence and the current economic development in Vietnam.

Triet said Vietnam is trying to market itself as an attractive investment destination for foreign investors and invited Indian companies to invest there.

The two leaders also pledged to push their respective governments to take practical measures to sustain comprehensive relations, especially in economy, trade and investment.