Buenos Aires has formally requested Rabat’s backing for the candidacy of Rafael Grossi to succeed António Guterres as Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN). The appeal was made during the eighth session of the joint commission and the sixth round of political consultations between Argentina and Morocco, held on June 11 in the Argentine capital.
Under President Javier Milei, Argentina aims to position the current Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as the next UN leader. The Argentine government is now seeking Morocco’s support, leveraging the North African nation’s significant diplomatic influence across Africa and multilateral forums to strengthen Grossi’s candidacy beyond bilateral ties.
The Argentine delegation, led by Roberto Salafia, Under-Secretary for International Economic Negotiations and Integration, and Juan Manuel Navarro, Under-Secretary for Foreign Policy, engaged in discussions with Morocco’s Fouad Yazourh, Director-General for International Political Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The talks covered bilateral relations, key international issues, and potential avenues for deeper cooperation.
The Argentine side framed Grossi’s bid as «a top diplomatic priority within the multilateral system, championed by a leader experienced in navigating international crises, fostering dialogue among global powers, and mastering the mechanisms of international organizations.» Securing Morocco’s support is pivotal for Argentina’s campaign, as the next Secretary-General must first gain the backing of the UN Security Council before securing a nomination from the General Assembly.
Morocco’s strategic voice in the Security Council race
Since assuming leadership of the IAEA in 2019, Rafael Grossi has built an international reputation for overseeing nuclear safeguards in conflict zones, managing Iran’s nuclear program negotiations, and ensuring the safety of Ukraine’s nuclear facilities amid the Russia-Ukraine war. Argentina officially launched Grossi’s candidacy in late 2025, followed by a global outreach effort targeting governments across multiple regions.
The decision to approach Morocco reflects a calculated diplomatic strategy. With a robust presence in international institutions, a strong network across Africa, and active engagement with major global decision-making hubs, Rabat is seen as a key ally. Argentina believes «Moroccan endorsement could bolster Grossi’s credibility in Africa and facilitate alliances with states pivotal to shaping outcomes in both the Security Council and the General Assembly.»
The race for the UN’s top post includes several prominent figures, such as former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, who has secured Brazil’s support, Cnuced Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan from Costa Rica, Ecuador’s María Fernanda Espinosa, and former Senegalese President Macky Sall. This crowded field underscores the need for Argentina to secure backing beyond its immediate regional sphere.
Argentina highlights Grossi’s blend of technical expertise and political acumen. His tenure at the IAEA has exposed him to high-stakes negotiations on nuclear proliferation, safety, and armed conflicts. Buenos Aires portrays him as «a diplomat skilled in engaging with global powers, sustaining dialogue in times of crisis, and restoring political momentum to the UN’s decision-making processes.»
Morocco’s role in this strategy is unparalleled. Its influence in the Maghreb, deep ties with African states, active participation in multilateral bodies, and partnerships with Europe, the United States, and Global South nations position it as a sought-after partner. Rabat’s endorsement could provide Argentina with critical political leverage in a region where vote consolidation may prove decisive.
Bilateral trade reaches $1.092 billion in 2025
The Buenos Aires meetings also expanded economic dialogue. Bilateral trade between Argentina and Morocco hit $1.092 billion in 2025, making Morocco the second-largest African export market for Argentine goods. Delegations explored ways to increase trade in higher-value products and identify new areas of cooperation.
Key sectors discussed included agriculture, energy, healthcare, tourism, food safety standards, and air connectivity. Officials emphasized «the need to structure bilateral trade more robustly, align regulatory frameworks, and foster joint initiatives in sectors where both economies offer immediate synergies.»
For Argentina, Morocco serves as both a market and a gateway to Africa, while also acting as a political partner. Its automotive industry, fertilizer production, aerospace sector, and textile manufacturing have strengthened its role in regional supply chains. Buenos Aires sees this industrial base as fertile ground for trade agreements, technical collaborations, and expanded market access for Argentine companies across the continent.
Morocco, in turn, views Argentina as a vital agricultural supplier and a partner capable of deepening its engagement with South America. Discussions addressed sanitary conditions for agro-food exports, energy expertise exchanges, and the launch of direct air links to shorten commercial and diplomatic distances between the two continents.
The Argentine delegation underscored that «relations with Rabat now extend beyond commerce, offering a platform for political alignment on global balances, South-South cooperation, and amplifying the voice of developing nations in international institutions.»
