JUSTICE Minister Wynter Kabimba has implored couples to uphold family values and contribute to the country's development.

Mr Kabimba said Government hopes to see couples maintaining proper family values to foster national peace and development.

He was speaking in Lusaka on Saturday evening when he officiated at a wedding reception of Choombwa Chilikwela who married Twivwa Namugala.

The colourful event was also attended by MMD Mafinga Member of Parliament Catherine Namugala, who is a relation to the bride.

Mr Kabimba who is Patriotic Front (PF) Secretary General said Government believed in strong family principles to drive the country's social and economic development forward.

"Very little can be done without strong family values because families are significant small units in fostering national development.

"As PF Government or Boma, we also believe in strong family values because our social and economic development depend on stronger family values," Mr Kabimba said.

He said couples should embrace extended families and work in the spirit of t ogetherness.

The minister said the Government would ensure that all Zambians contributed to national development in one way or the other.

Mr Kabimba said the PF Government was committed to working with opposition political parties to improve the economy.

He said the Government would not sideline anybody who wanted to partner in championing development.

"I am therefore, happy you have decided to get married during PF administration because your children

will enjoy better schools Government is delivering to all Zambians," he said

A representative of the bride's family, Clement Mugala, thanked people for turning up in large numbers to support the new couple.

The groom's representative, Crispin Chilikwela said the couple's decision to form one home should be respected so that the marriage can last for many years to come.