DEPUTY First Minister Martin McGuinness withdrew from a planned trip to China on medical advice, the Executive Office has said.
Mr McGuinness had been due to accompany First Minister Arlene Foster on a series of political and trade engagements during a four-day trip this week.
However, he announced last week that he would not be travelling, citing "unforeseen personal circumstances".
The Executive Office said last night that the Sinn Féin minister withdrew from the trip to allow "doctors to conduct a medical assessment".
"Martin McGuinness is fulfilling his responsibilities as deputy First Minister working with his departmental political advisers," the Stormont leaders' office added.
"There has been no disruption to the work of the Executive Office during this period.”
Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams extended his best wishes to his party colleague.
"I'm sure everybody who values his work will send best wishes to Martin, Bernie and their family," he said.
"I met with Martin as normal at Stormont on Monday. I have been in regular contact with him since and he is totally committed to fulfilling his duties."
Meanwhile, Mrs Foster yesterday opened the Executive’s bureau at the China World Trade Centre in Beijing.
She said it will work to promote the north in China.
"The relationship with China is very important to Northern Ireland. The establishment of this bureau, the expansion of the Invest NI team and five ministerial visits to China in 18 months are indicators of the importance of this relationship," she said.
