TAIPEI, TAIWAN: Taiwan-Holy See ties are strong due to shared values in human rights and global peace, said Taiwan's deputy foreign minister.

During a March 6 Mass celebrating the third anniversary of the election of Pope Francis held at Taipei Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Leo Chen-jan Lee said the two sides will continue bilateral cooperation, reported Taiwan Today.

Lee said Taiwan has been working with the Holy See over the past year in assisting victims displaced by war in northern Iraq and an earthquake in Nepal.

Another example highlighting relations between the two sides is a special exhibition of rare treasures on loan from the Vatican underway at Taipei City-based National Palace Museum. It is the largest exhibition outside the Holy See of liturgical artifacts used by popes throughout the centuries, he added.

According to Lee, the pope's quick message of condolences and compassion to the victims of the Feb. 6 earthquake in southern Taiwan’s Tainan City further illustrates the friendship shared by Taiwan and the Holy See.--ucannews.com