The Argentine government has formally requested Morocco’s support for Rafael Grossi’s candidacy to succeed António Guterres as United Nations Secretary-General. This 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 Buenos Aires.
Under President Javier Milei’s administration, Argentina aims to position the current Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as a strong candidate. The South American nation is now actively seeking Morocco’s endorsement—a move with significant implications. Given the North African kingdom’s diplomatic clout in Africa and multilateral forums, its backing could amplify Argentina’s campaign far beyond bilateral relations.
Representing Argentina in the talks were Roberto Salafia, Undersecretary for International Economic Negotiations and Integration, and Juan Manuel Navarro, Undersecretary for Foreign Policy. Morocco’s delegation was led by Fouad Yazourh, Director General of International Political Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The discussions covered bilateral relations, pressing international issues, and potential areas for deeper collaboration.
Argentina has framed Grossi’s candidacy 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.” This outreach to Morocco marks a strategic pivot toward Africa, where securing votes in the UN Security Council and General Assembly will be decisive in the selection process.
Morocco’s voice sought in the UN Security Council race
Since assuming leadership of the IAEA in 2019, Rafael Grossi has built an international reputation by overseeing nuclear safety amid conflicts, mediating discussions on Iran’s nuclear program, and safeguarding Ukrainian nuclear facilities during the Russia-Ukraine war. Argentina officially launched his candidacy in late 2025 and has since expanded its diplomatic campaign across multiple regions.
Morocco’s selection as a key ally is no coincidence. The kingdom maintains an active presence in global institutions, boasts a robust network across Africa, and engages with major decision-making centers worldwide. Argentine officials believe “Moroccan support could bolster Grossi’s credibility in Africa and help secure backing from states expected to influence outcomes in both the Security Council and the General Assembly.”
The race for the UN’s top post includes several prominent candidates. Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet has already gained Brazil’s support, while Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Costa Rica’s María Fernanda Espinosa, and former Senegalese President Macky Sall are also in the running. This competitive field underscores the need for Argentina to cultivate alliances beyond its immediate region.
Argentina highlights Grossi’s technical and political credentials, emphasizing his tenure at the IAEA as a testament to his ability to handle sensitive negotiations on non-proliferation, nuclear security, and armed conflicts. Buenos Aires portrays him as “a diplomat skilled in engaging with global powers, maintaining dialogue during crises, and restoring the UN’s political decisiveness.”
Morocco’s role in this strategy is pivotal. Its influence in the Maghreb, strong ties with African nations, active role in multilateral bodies, and partnerships with Europe, the United States, and Global South powers make it a highly sought-after partner. Rabat’s endorsement would provide Argentina with a crucial political foothold in a region where vote-swaying could prove decisive.
Bilateral trade hits $1.092 billion in 2025
The Buenos Aires meetings also expanded the economic dialogue, with two-way trade between Argentina and Morocco reaching $1.092 billion in 2025. This figure solidifies Morocco as Argentina’s second-largest export market in Africa. Delegations explored ways to increase trade in high-value products and unlock new areas of cooperation.
Key sectors discussed included agriculture, energy, healthcare, tourism, food safety, and air connectivity. Officials stressed “the need to strengthen trade structures, align regulatory frameworks, and launch joint initiatives in industries where both economies offer immediate synergies.”
For Argentina, Morocco serves as both a lucrative market and a gateway to Africa, while also being a valuable political ally. The kingdom’s automotive, fertilizer, aerospace, and textile industries have strengthened its role in regional production chains. Buenos Aires sees this industrial base as fertile ground for trade agreements, technical collaborations, and greater Argentine corporate presence on the continent.
Morocco, in turn, views Argentina as a vital agricultural supplier and a potential partner for expanding ties with South America. Discussions addressed sanitary conditions for agro-food products, energy expertise exchanges, and the launch of direct air links to shrink commercial and diplomatic distances between the two continents.
Argentine delegates underscored that “the relationship with Morocco has evolved beyond commerce, offering a platform for political coordination on global balances, South-South cooperation, and amplifying the voice of developing nations in world institutions.”