Taipei, Sept. 14 (CNA) Two senior officials from the Order of Malta left Taiwan Friday after a six-day visit, during which they shared the order's experiences in humanitarian activities.

Jean-Pierre Mazery, the order's grand chancellor and foreign minister, and Bailiff Albrecht von Boeselager, the order's grand hospitaler and minister in charge of health, social affairs and international cooperation, arrived in Taiwan Sept. 9.

The order was founded in Jerusalem in 1048 and is one of the world's oldest Catholic religious orders. In modern times, the order developed into a group dedicated to medical aid and humanitarian activities. It is recognized as a sovereign entity under international law.

During their last day in Taiwan, Mazery and Boeselager visited Taiwan Root Medical Peace Corps, a local charity headquartered in New Taipei City, and explored the possibility of cooperating with the group to provide medical aid.

Liu Chi-chun, the president of the charity, said during the meeting that the group sometimes has difficulties in entering countries which need medical aid but do not have diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

As a sovereign entity, Mazery told Liu the order has its own government, adding that it provides long-term medical aid to more than 120 countries around the world.

Mazery also told Liu the order is contemplating to set an office in Taiwan.

(By Emmaneulle Tzen, Sunrise Huang and Maubo Chang)
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