On 29 October 2019, the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) elected Ambassador Rafael M. Grossi to the post of Director General for the 2020-2024 period. His appointment will be submitted for approval to the IAEA General Conference.
The Argentine Republic welcomes Ambassador Grossi's appointment. In addition, it values and highlights the support shown by the international community for this candidacy, which is very important to the country.
Ambassador Grossi is a career diplomat with over 35 years of professional experience in the field of non-proliferation and disarmament, and he is currently the Permanent Representative of Argentina to the IAEA. He previously served as IAEA Chief of Cabinet and Assistant Director General.
The election of an Argentine national as leader of IAEA is an acknowledgement of Latin America and the Caribbean's contribution to international peace and security as a nuclear-weapon-free area. In addition, it is a major recognition for Argentina as a relevant actor in the international nuclear field, with a robust nuclear programme, a long-established tradition of peaceful uses of nuclear energy, a clear export profile and active diplomacy in international forums.
