Morocco’s diplomatic weight sought in Argentina’s UN campaign
The Argentine government has formally requested Morocco’s support for Rafael Grossi’s bid to succeed António Guterres as United Nations Secretary-General. This request 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, Argentina aims to position Grossi, the current Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), as a strong candidate. The endorsement of Morocco, with its significant diplomatic influence across Africa and multilateral forums, carries more weight than a simple bilateral agreement, according to Argentina’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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 talks covered political relations, key international issues, and potential areas for expanded cooperation.
Argentina has framed Grossi’s candidacy as “a top diplomatic priority within the multilateral system, led by a leader experienced in international crises, power dynamics, and the inner workings of international organizations.” Securing Morocco’s support adds a crucial African dimension to Argentina’s campaign, as the next Secretary-General will first require a recommendation from the UN Security Council and later confirmation from the General Assembly.
Morocco’s strategic voice in the UN Security Council race
Since taking the helm at the IAEA in 2019, Rafael Grossi has built an international reputation for managing nuclear safety in conflict zones, negotiating Iran’s nuclear program, and ensuring the security of Ukrainian nuclear plants during the Russia-Ukraine war. Argentina officially launched Grossi’s candidacy in late 2025 and has since been rallying support across multiple regions.
Morocco’s selection is no coincidence. The North African nation plays an active role in global institutions, maintains strong ties across Africa, and engages with major global decision-making centers. Argentina believes “Moroccan backing could enhance Grossi’s credibility in Africa and help secure support from states that hold significant influence in both the Security Council and the General Assembly.”
The race includes several candidates from Latin America and Africa. Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet has already gained Brazil’s endorsement, while Costa Rican Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), along with Ecuadorian María Fernanda Espinosa and former Senegalese President Macky Sall, are also in the running. This competitive field has pushed Argentina to seek alliances beyond its immediate regional sphere.
Argentina highlights Grossi’s dual technical and political expertise. His tenure at the IAEA has placed him at the heart of critical negotiations on nuclear proliferation, safety, and armed conflicts. Buenos Aires describes him as “a diplomat capable of engaging with major powers, maintaining dialogue during crises, and restoring the UN’s political influence.”
Morocco occupies a unique position in this strategy. Its influence in the Maghreb, deep ties across Africa, participation in multilateral institutions, and partnerships with Europe, the United States, and Global South nations make it a sought-after partner. Rabat’s support could give Argentina a political foothold in a region where vote-swaying alliances are pivotal.
Bilateral trade nears $1.1 billion, with room for growth
The Buenos Aires consultations also addressed economic cooperation. Bilateral trade between Argentina and Morocco reached $1.092 billion in 2025, making Morocco Argentina’s second-largest African export market. Discussions focused on increasing high-value exports and exploring new collaboration avenues.
Key sectors included agriculture, energy, healthcare, tourism, food safety, and air connectivity. Officials emphasized “the need to strengthen trade ties, align regulatory frameworks, and launch joint initiatives in areas where both economies complement each other.”
For Argentina, Morocco serves as both a market and a gateway to Africa, while also acting as a political ally. Argentina’s automotive, fertilizer, aerospace, and textile industries have strengthened its position in regional supply chains. Buenos Aires sees this industrial base as an opportunity for trade agreements, technical partnerships, and greater Argentine corporate presence on the continent.
Morocco, in turn, views Argentina as a major agricultural supplier and a partner to deepen ties with South America. Discussions covered sanitary conditions for agri-food exports, energy expertise exchanges, and the launch of direct air links to shorten the commercial and diplomatic distance between the two continents.
The Argentine delegation stressed that “relations with Rabat now extend beyond trade, offering a platform for political coordination on global balances, South-South cooperation, and amplifying the voice of Global South nations in world institutions.”
