SINGAPORE - The secretary-general of the International Seabed Authority, Mr Nii Allotey Odunton, is visiting Singapore from Monday to Thursday under the Ministry Foreign Affairs Distinguished Visitors Programme, said the MFA in a statement on Monday.

The programme, which began in June 2005, invites outstanding foreign dignitaries here to promote mutual understanding and cooperation, through the exchange of views with Singapore leaders and officials.

During his visit, Secretary-General Odunton will call on Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, Second Minister for Foreign Affairs and Second Minister for Home Affairs Masagos Zulkifli, as well as meet senior officials from the MFA and the Attorney-General's Chambers.

He will also attend a contract signing ceremony between the International Seabed Authority and Ocean Mineral Singapore, a subsidiary of Keppel Corporation.

On Wednedsay, he will deliver the keynote address at the Workshop on Mineral Exploitation in the Area, which is jointly organised by the International Seabed Authority and the Centre for International Law.