Panaji, March 29 (IANS): The Goa Cabinet on Wednesday approved the proposal to make the scenic Kaliningrad region of Russia near the Baltic Sea a twin region of Goa, in order to promote cultural and social exchanges.

"The present agreement proclaims the establishment of partnership relations between Goa and Kaliningrad on the basis of mutual understanding, respect and friendly relationship between the inhabitants," according to the official note approved by the state cabinet on Wednesday.

According to the agreement, valid for three years, both the Goa government and the administration of the Kaliningrad region will "actively promote bilateral co-operation and build and develop their relations in the spirit of friendship, trust and mutual respect on the basis of equality, partnership and mutual advantage".

Apart from promotion of educational and cultural exchanges, the agreement will also encourage visits of experts from the friendly state regions in the field of health education and culture.

Goa is one of the top tourism destinations in the country and attracts more than one lakh Russian tourists annually.