TAIPEI, Taiwan (CNN) -- When the world's shortest woman met her male counterpart, their kiss for the cameras helped draw attention to a serious subject -- the physically disabled.

South Africa's Madge Bester was greeted on her arrival in Taiwan on Monday by island resident Lin Yih-Chih. Both have a bone deformity called osteogenesis imperfecta that hinders normal growth of bone and bodily height.

Together, they're speaking out on behalf of the world's disabled, urging them to live life to the fullest. "My message to you is to take charge of your life. Forget your disabilities and use your abilities," said Bester, 35.

For the record -- as in the Guinness Book of World Records -- Bester measures 65 centimeters (26 inches). Lin is slightly taller at 67.5 centimeters (27 inches).

Reuters contributed to this report.