Argentina seeks Morocco’s backing for Rafael Grossi’s un leadership bid

During the eighth session of the joint commission and the sixth round of political consultations between Argentina and Morocco, held in Buenos Aires on June 11, Argentine officials formally requested Rabat’s support for Rafael Grossi’s candidacy to succeed António Guterres as United Nations Secretary-General.

The Argentine government, led by President Javier Milei, aims to position the current Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as the next UN chief. Morocco’s diplomatic influence across Africa and within multilateral forums makes its endorsement particularly valuable, as highlighted in the Argentine foreign ministry’s official summary of the talks.

The Argentine delegation, led by Roberto Salafia, Undersecretary for International Economic Negotiations and Integration, and Juan Manuel Navarro, Undersecretary for Foreign Policy, engaged in discussions with Fouad Yazourh, Morocco’s Director General of International Political Affairs. The two sides explored bilateral relations, global issues, and opportunities to deepen cooperation.

Buenos Aires framed Grossi’s bid as “a top diplomatic priority for Argentina within the multilateral system, backed by a leader experienced in navigating international crises, fostering dialogue among global powers, and mastering the mechanisms of international organizations.” Securing Morocco’s support expands Argentina’s campaign into Africa, a critical region for securing the necessary backing at the UN Security Council and General Assembly.

Morocco’s strategic voice in the UN Security Council race

Since assuming leadership of the IAEA in 2019, Rafael Grossi has built an international reputation for his work in nuclear safety amid conflicts, negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program, and efforts to safeguard Ukraine’s nuclear facilities during the Russia-Ukraine war. Argentina officially launched his candidacy in late 2025 and has since sought endorsements from governments across multiple regions.

The decision to approach Morocco reflects a calculated diplomatic strategy. The North African nation maintains an active role in global institutions, maintains strong ties across Africa, and engages with key global decision-making centers. Argentine officials believe “Moroccan support could enhance Grossi’s credibility in Africa and help forge alliances with states that wield influence in both the Security Council and the General Assembly.”

The race for the UN top post features several candidates from Latin America and Africa. Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet already has Brazil’s backing, while Costa Rican Rebeca Grynspan, UNCTAD Secretary-General, Ecuador’s María Fernanda Espinosa, and former Senegalese President Macky Sall are also in the running. This competitive field has pushed Argentina to seek support beyond its immediate regional sphere.

Argentina highlights Grossi’s technical and political credentials, noting his tenure at the IAEA has given him direct involvement in high-stakes negotiations on non-proliferation, nuclear security, and armed conflicts. Buenos Aires portrays him as “a diplomat capable of engaging with major powers, maintaining dialogue channels during crises, and restoring the UN’s capacity for decisive political action.”

Morocco occupies a unique position in this strategy. Its influence in the Maghreb, strong ties with African states, active role in multilateral bodies, and partnerships with Europe, the United States, and Global South nations make it a sought-after partner. Rabat’s endorsement would provide Argentina with a crucial political ally in a region where vote-counting could prove decisive.

Bilateral trade reaches $1.092 billion in 2025

The Buenos Aires consultations also expanded economic discussions. Bilateral trade between Argentina and Morocco reached $1.092 billion in 2025, making Morocco Argentina’s second-largest export market in Africa. Delegations explored ways to increase trade in higher-value products and identify new areas of collaboration.

Key sectors discussed included agriculture, energy, health, tourism, food safety, and air connectivity. Officials emphasized “the need to strengthen the trade structure, align regulatory frameworks, and promote joint projects in sectors where both economies offer immediate complementarities.”

For Argentina, Morocco serves as both a market and a gateway to Africa, while also acting as a political partner. Argentina’s automotive industry, fertilizer production, aerospace sector, and textile manufacturing have strengthened its position in regional supply chains. Buenos Aires sees these industries as fertile ground for trade agreements, technical cooperation, and greater Argentine corporate presence on the continent.

Morocco, in turn, views Argentina as a major agricultural supplier and a partner capable of deepening its ties with South America. Discussions covered sanitary standards for food products, energy expertise exchanges, and the launch of direct air links to reduce commercial and diplomatic distances between the two continents.

Argentine delegates underscored that “the relationship with Rabat now extends beyond commerce, offering a platform for political coordination on global balances, South-South cooperation, and amplifying the voice of developing nations in world institutions.”