Buenos Aires officially approached Rabat to secure its endorsement for Rafael Grossi’s candidacy to lead the United Nations (UN) as Secretary-General. This significant request was made during the eighth joint commission meeting and sixth session of political consultations between Argentina and Morocco, which convened on June 11 in the Argentine capital.
The administration of President Javier Milei is championing the current Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to succeed António Guterres. Argentina is now actively seeking Morocco’s support, recognizing its substantial diplomatic influence across Africa and within various multilateral bodies, which lends considerable weight to any endorsement beyond mere bilateral relations.
The formal request transpired during high-level discussions. Representing Argentina were Roberto Salafia, Undersecretary for International Economic Negotiations and Integration, and Juan Manuel Navarro, Undersecretary for Foreign Policy. Leading the Moroccan delegation was Fouad Yazourh, Director General of International Political Affairs at the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Both parties thoroughly reviewed their political relationship, key international dossiers, and potential avenues for expanded cooperation.
Buenos Aires presented the candidacy as «one of Argentina’s foremost diplomatic priorities within the multilateral system, championed by a seasoned official adept at navigating international crises, facilitating dialogue among global powers, and understanding the intricate mechanisms of international organizations.» This overture to Rabat marks a crucial African phase for the Argentine campaign, as the selection of the next Secretary-General first requires a recommendation from the Security Council, followed by an appointment from the General Assembly.
Morocco’s strategic voice in the security council race
Since assuming leadership of the IAEA in 2019, Rafael Grossi has garnered significant international stature. His pivotal role in monitoring nuclear installations amidst conflicts, engaging in discussions concerning the Iranian atomic program, and dedicating efforts to ensure the safety of Ukrainian power plants during the Russia-Ukraine war has been widely noted. Argentina formally announced his candidacy for late 2025, subsequently launching a broad campaign targeting governments across multiple regions.
The decision to approach Morocco is underpinned by precise diplomatic calculations. The Kingdom maintains a robust presence within international institutions, boasts an extensive network across Africa, and engages in dialogue with major global decision-making hubs. The Argentine side firmly believes that «Moroccan support could significantly enhance Mr. Grossi’s credibility across the African continent and foster convergences with states poised to wield 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 secured Brazil’s backing. Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica, who serves as the Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), is also among the contenders, alongside Ecuador’s María Fernanda Espinosa and former Senegalese President Macky Sall. This diverse field of candidates necessitates that Buenos Aires cultivate support well beyond its immediate regional neighbors.
Argentine diplomacy highlights Mr. Grossi’s unique blend of technical expertise and political acumen. His tenure at the helm of the IAEA has granted him access to the most sensitive negotiations concerning nuclear proliferation, security, and armed conflicts. Buenos Aires portrays him as «a diplomat capable of engaging with major powers, preserving channels for dialogue during periods of tension, and restoring a firmer political capacity for action to the UN.»
Morocco occupies a singular position within this strategic approach. Its influence in the Maghreb, its extensive relations with numerous African states, its active participation in multilateral institutions, and its partnerships with Europe, the United States, and Southern powers render it a highly sought-after interlocutor. Rabat’s endorsement would provide Argentina with a crucial political conduit in a region where the battle for votes could prove decisive, impacting African politics and pan-African news.
bilateral trade targets $1.092 billion by 2025
The consultations in Buenos Aires also broadened the scope of economic dialogue. Trade volumes between Argentina and Morocco are projected to reach $1.092 billion by 2025, positioning the Kingdom as Argentina’s second-largest African market for exports. The delegations meticulously explored strategies to increase the share of higher value-added products and to unlock new areas for cooperation.
Key sectors such as agriculture, energy, health, tourism, food safety standards, and air connectivity featured prominently in the discussions. Officials underscored «the imperative to establish a more robust structure for bilateral trade, to foster closer ties between relevant administrative bodies, and to encourage joint projects in sectors where both economies possess immediate complementarities.»
For Argentina, Morocco represents not only a significant market but also a strategic gateway to Africa and a valuable political partner. Morocco’s burgeoning automotive industry, its fertilizer production, aerospace sector, and textile industry have collectively enhanced its standing within regional production chains. Buenos Aires views this robust industrial base as fertile ground for forging trade agreements, pursuing technical collaborations, and expanding the presence of Argentine businesses across the continent, contributing to the African economy today.
Conversely, Rabat identifies Argentina as a vital agricultural supplier and a potential partner to deepen its connections with South America. Discussions encompassed sanitary conditions applicable to agri-food products, exchanges of expertise in the energy sector, and the establishment of new air links designed to diminish commercial and diplomatic distances between the two sides of the Atlantic.
Ultimately, the Argentine delegation emphasized that «the relationship with Rabat now transcends mere commerce, offering a crucial platform for political consultation on major international balances, South-South cooperation, and the representation of Southern countries within global institutions.»
