IRNA � South Africa is interested in Iran's joining the emerging economies association, South African Parliament Speaker Baleka Mbet said on Saturday.

In a visit by South Africa's President Jacob Zuma to Iran, the issue of Iran's joining to the association of five major emerging national economies-Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa- was put forth,' Baleka Mbet said in a joint press conference with his Iranian counterpart Ali Larijani.

'We are interested in Iran's membership in the group as we believe every new member would add momentum for more growth and development,' she added.

Iran's strategic location, large population, as well as its developments in various fields, including education, makes it an effective member of the association, according to the African official.

The five members of BRICS represent nearly half of the world's population and 28 percent of the global economic power.

Mbete, heading a high-ranking parliamentary delegation, arrived in Tehran on Friday. She met with President Hassan Rouhani prior to her talks with Larijani.

The delegation is also scheduled to have a meeting with Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and Head of Central Bank of Iran Valiollah Seif.