KABUL, Afghanistan — Legislators say Afghanistan's parliament has approved a strategic partnership agreement with the United States.
The approval came in a vote Saturday and by a simple majority of those present in the 249-seat body.
Parliamentarian Mohammad Iqbal Safi from Kapisa province and others say more than 150 representatives were present.
He said the vote was by show of hands, with an overwhelming majority approving and less than a handful rejecting.
French President Francois Hollande prepares to deliver his speech after visiting troops at Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Nijrab, Kapisa region of Afghanistan Friday, May 25, 2012, where most of French troops are stationed in Afghanistan. France's new President Francois Hollande arrived early Friday in Afghanistan to meet with troops and the country's president and discuss plans for an early pullout. (AP Photo/Joel Saget, Pool)
He said the vote was by show of hands, with an overwhelming majority approving and less than a handful rejecting.
Serious opposition to the measure had not been expected. The strategic partnership will now go to the Afghan senate, where it is also expected to be approved early next week.
President Barack Obama and Afghan President Hamid Karzai signed the agreement in Kabul on May 1.
It governs the relationship between the two countries through 2024.