The Russian Centre for Science and Culture on Friday awarded medals “For Love and Fidelity” to three Lao families whose members have not only made a significant contribution to the development of Laos but also served as an example of preserving and enhancing family values. Head of the Centre, Alexander Radkov, presented medals to the Vice President of the National Assembly, Mr Sommad Pholsena, and his wife Mrs Aly Pholsena; Head of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee’s External Relations Committee, Mr Thongsavanh Phomvihane, and his wife Mrs Vadsana Phomvihane; and the Minister of Public Works and Transport, Mr Ngampasong Muongmany, and his wife Mrs Suanesavanh Vignaket, who is Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism. In order to preserve traditional family values and the spiritual and moral education of children and young people, Russian President Vladimir Putin designated the Day of Family, Love and Fidelity as a state holiday, which is celebrated in Russia on July 8. The holiday is one of the main projects of the Foundation for Social and Cultural Initiatives, whose president is Svetlana Vladimirovna Medvedeva, the wife of Dmitry Anatolyevich Medvedev, who is a former President of Russia and is now Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council and Chairman of the United Russia Party. Every year, the Foundation for Social and Cultural Initiatives awards medals “For Love and Fidelity” to couples who have been married for a long time and show a worthy example to the younger generation by their example of love and respect for each other. The holding of this holiday was supported by all religious denominations in Russia, since traditional values – love, peace, family, respect for elders, and care for children - are at the heart of any religion. Earlier this award was given only to Russians, but it was then decided to award it to foreign citizens who hold dear universal human values and the family traditions of their peoples. For the first time, the Organising Committee of the Cultural and Social Initiatives Foundation decided to present awards to three married couples in Laos.