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

Buenos Aires formally requested Rabat’s support for Rafael Grossi’s candidacy for United Nations (UN) Secretary-General. This significant appeal occurred during the eighth joint commission meeting and the sixth session of political consultations between Argentina and Morocco, held on June 11 in the Argentine capital.

The administration of President Javier Milei aims to position the current Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as the successor to António Guterres. Argentina is actively seeking to rally Morocco, recognizing its substantial diplomatic influence across Africa and within multilateral platforms, which elevates the significance of its endorsement beyond mere bilateral relations. This strategic move was highlighted in a briefing from the Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The request transpired during high-level discussions. The Argentine delegation was led by Roberto Salafia, Undersecretary for International Economic Negotiations and Integration, and Juan Manuel Navarro, Undersecretary for Foreign Policy. Fouad Yazourh, Director General of International Political Affairs at the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, headed the Kingdom’s delegation. Both parties thoroughly reviewed their political ties, major international dossiers, and potential avenues for expanding their cooperation.

Buenos Aires presented Grossi’s candidacy as “one of Argentina’s primary diplomatic priorities within the multilateral system.” The candidate was lauded as a seasoned official adept at navigating international crises, fostering dialogue among global powers, and understanding the intricate mechanisms of international organizations. This outreach to Rabat inaugurates a decisive African chapter in Argentina’s campaign, given that the appointment of the next Secretary-General first requires a recommendation from the Security Council, followed by a nomination from the General Assembly.

Morocco’s crucial role in the un security council race

Since assuming leadership of the IAEA in 2019, Rafael Grossi has cultivated an international profile through his critical involvement in monitoring nuclear facilities in conflict zones, facilitating discussions on Iran’s atomic program, and spearheading efforts to ensure the safety of Ukrainian nuclear power plants amidst the Russia-Ukraine war. Argentina officially announced his candidacy for late 2025, subsequently initiating a global campaign to secure governmental support across various regions.

The choice to court Morocco reflects a precise diplomatic calculation. The Kingdom maintains an active presence within international institutions, boasts an extensive network across Africa, and engages with key global decision-making centers. The Argentine side firmly believes that “Moroccan support could significantly enhance the credibility of Mr. Grossi’s candidacy on the African continent and facilitate convergences with states poised to exert influence in both the Security Council and the General Assembly.”

The competition for the top UN post features several prominent figures from Latin America and Africa. Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet has already garnered support from Brazil. Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica, Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), is also among the aspirants, alongside Ecuador’s María Fernanda Espinosa and former Senegalese President Macky Sall. This diverse field of candidates compels Buenos Aires to cultivate support far beyond its immediate regional neighbors.

Argentine diplomacy highlights Mr. Grossi’s strong technical and political background. His tenure at the IAEA has provided him access to the most sensitive negotiations concerning nuclear proliferation, security, and armed conflicts. Buenos Aires portrays him as “a diplomat capable of engaging major powers, preserving channels of dialogue during periods of tension, and restoring the UN’s capacity for more resolute political action,” essential for effective governance Africa.

Morocco holds a distinctive position in this strategic endeavor. Its influence in the Maghreb, its robust relationships with numerous African states, its engagement within multilateral institutions, and its partnerships with Europe, the United States, and Southern powers render it a highly sought-after interlocutor. Rabat’s endorsement would offer Argentina a vital political conduit in a region where the battle for votes could prove decisive in African politics.

Expanding argentina-Morocco economic ties

The consultations in Buenos Aires also served to broaden the economic dialogue between the two nations. Trade between Argentina and Morocco reached a substantial 1.092 billion dollars in 2025, positioning the Kingdom as Argentina’s second-largest African market for its exports. Delegations explored strategies to increase the proportion of higher value-added products and to unlock new spheres of cooperation.

Agriculture, energy, health, tourism, food safety standards, and air connectivity were central themes during the discussions. Officials emphasized “the necessity of structuring bilateral trade more comprehensively, fostering closer collaboration between competent administrations, and encouraging joint ventures in sectors where both economies possess immediate complementarities.”

For Argentina, Morocco represents not only a significant market but also a crucial gateway to Africa and a valuable political partner. Morocco’s burgeoning automotive industry, its fertilizer sectors, aeronautics, and textiles have bolstered its standing within regional production chains. Buenos Aires views this robust industrial base as fertile ground for forging trade agreements, engaging in technical cooperation, and facilitating a broader presence for Argentine enterprises across the continent.

Rabat, conversely, finds in Argentina a major agricultural supplier and a partner capable of expanding its ties with South America. Discussions encompassed sanitary requirements for agri-food products, the exchange of expertise in the energy sector, and the establishment of new air links designed to reduce commercial and diplomatic distances between the two Atlantic shores.

Ultimately, the Argentine delegation underscored that “the relationship with Rabat now extends beyond mere commerce, offering a significant space for political consultation on major international balances, fostering South-South cooperation, and enhancing the representation of Southern countries within global institutions.”