Argentina seeks Morocco’s backing for rafael grossi’s un secretary-general bid

Buenos Aires formally approached Rabat, seeking its endorsement for Rafael Grossi’s candidacy for the United Nations Secretary-General position. This significant request was made during the eighth joint commission meeting and sixth political consultation session between Argentina and Morocco, held on June 11th in the Argentine capital.

The administration of President Javier Milei aims to see the current Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, take over from António Guterres. Argentina is actively courting Morocco, recognizing the kingdom’s significant diplomatic sway across Africa and within various multilateral bodies, which lends considerable weight to any endorsement beyond mere bilateral relations.

This crucial overture occurred during high-level discussions. Representing Argentina were Roberto Salafia, Undersecretary for International Economic Negotiations and Integration, and Juan Manuel Navarro, Undersecretary for Foreign Policy. Leading the Moroccan delegation was Fouad Yazourh, Director General of International Political Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Both sides also reviewed bilateral political ties, key global matters, and potential avenues for expanded cooperation.

Buenos Aires underscored Grossi’s candidacy as “one of Argentina’s foremost diplomatic priorities within the multilateral system.” They emphasized his extensive experience in navigating international crises, fostering dialogue among major powers, and understanding the mechanisms of global organizations. Engaging Rabat marks a pivotal African phase in Argentina’s campaign, given that the next Secretary-General’s appointment necessitates a recommendation from the Security Council, followed by a formal nomination by the General Assembly.

Morocco’s crucial voice in the Security Council race

Since assuming leadership of the IAEA in 2019, Rafael Grossi has cultivated a distinguished international profile. His instrumental work in monitoring nuclear installations amidst conflicts, contributing to discussions on Iran’s atomic program, and efforts to ensure the safety of Ukrainian power plants during the Russia-Ukraine war have been widely recognized. Argentina officially launched his bid in late 2025, subsequently initiating a global campaign to secure support from governments across various regions.

The strategic decision to seek Morocco’s endorsement stems from precise diplomatic calculations. The kingdom maintains a robust presence within international institutions, boasts an extensive network across Africa, and engages actively with key global decision-making centers. The Argentine delegation articulated that “Moroccan support could significantly enhance Mr. Grossi’s credibility across the African continent and foster alignment with states holding considerable sway in both the Security Council and the General Assembly.”

The contest for the UN’s top post features several prominent figures from Latin America and Africa. Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet has already garnered backing from Brazil. Other notable contenders include Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica, who serves as Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), along with Ecuador’s María Fernanda Espinosa and former Senegalese President Macky Sall. This diverse field of candidates compels Buenos Aires to cultivate broad support extending far beyond its immediate regional neighbors.

Argentine diplomacy champions Mr. Grossi’s unique blend of technical expertise and political acumen. His leadership at the IAEA has provided him direct access to the most sensitive negotiations concerning nuclear proliferation, security, and armed conflicts. Buenos Aires portrays him as “a diplomat adept at engaging major global powers, maintaining crucial dialogue channels even during periods of heightened tension, and capable of reinstating a more decisive political capacity for action within the United Nations.”

Within this overarching strategy, Morocco occupies a distinctive position. Its significant influence in the Maghreb region, extensive connections with numerous African nations, active engagement in multilateral institutions, and strategic partnerships with Europe, the United States, and Southern powers collectively make it an invaluable interlocutor. An endorsement from Rabat would provide Argentina with a vital political bridgehead in a region where the contest for votes is anticipated to be exceptionally influential.

Bilateral trade projected to reach $1.092 billion by 2025

The recent consultations in Buenos Aires also served to broaden the scope of economic dialogue between the two nations. Bilateral trade between Argentina and Morocco is projected to hit 1.092 billion dollars by 2025, establishing the kingdom as Argentina’s second-largest export destination in Africa. Delegations meticulously explored strategies to increase the proportion of higher value-added products and to unlock new avenues for cooperation.

Key sectors such as agriculture, energy, health, tourism, food safety standards, and air connectivity were central to the discussions. Officials underscored “the imperative to establish a more robust structure for bilateral trade, foster closer collaboration between relevant administrative bodies, and incentivize joint ventures in areas where both economies possess immediate and clear complementarities.”

From Argentina’s perspective, Morocco represents not only a significant market but also a strategic gateway to the wider African continent and a crucial political ally. The kingdom’s burgeoning automotive industry, robust fertilizer sectors, advanced aeronautics, and thriving textile industry have collectively elevated its standing within regional production chains. Buenos Aires views this industrial foundation as fertile ground for forging new trade agreements, fostering technical cooperation, and facilitating a more extensive presence of Argentine enterprises across Africa.

Conversely, Rabat identifies Argentina as a vital agricultural supplier and a valuable partner capable of strengthening its connections across South America. Discussions encompassed sanitary regulations applicable to agri-food products, the exchange of expertise in the energy sector, and the establishment of direct air links designed to diminish both commercial and diplomatic distances spanning the Atlantic.

Finally, the Argentine delegation affirmed that “the relationship with Rabat now extends beyond purely commercial interests, providing a significant platform for political consultation on critical international balances, fostering South-South cooperation, and enhancing the representation of Southern nations within global institutions.”