An air ambulance will be bringing back Foreign Minister George Vella from China on Saturday, The Malta Independent has learnt.

Dr Vella underwent a cardiac intervention in China after he felt unwell during a visit to that country earlier this week.

Dr Vella is recovering in a China hospital, has spoken to both the Prime Minister and his family since his intervention, and will be flown to Malta on Saturday.

Four years ago, then President George Abela was also flown over to Malta in an air ambulance from China after he was injured in a fall during a State visit.