Foreign Minister George Vella has had a minor cardiac intervention after he was taken ill during a visit in Beijing.

The minister is in Beijing for talks with the Chinese authorities.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat wished the minister well and tweeted that he (the minister) was feeling better.

The minister is being kept in hospital for observation and care and is expected to return to Malta in the coming days, the government said in a statement.

The statement said that the minister has been in touch with his family and the Prime Minister.

Dr Vella was also contacted by President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, Opposition leader Simon Busuttil and Speaker Anglu Farrugia, who all wished him a speedy recovery.