WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration is applauding the power-sharing deal signed by Afghanistan's two presidential candidates.

The agreement resolves a drawn-out dispute that threatened to plunge Afghanistan into political turmoil while complicating the withdrawal of U.S. and foreign troops.

A White House statement says the agreement signed Sunday in Kabul will help bring closure to Afghanistan's political crisis and restore "confidence in the way forward." The White House says it's ready to work with the next administration to ensure success.

The deal is a victory for Secretary of State John Kerry. He first got the candidates to agree in principle to share power during a July visit to Afghanistan.

Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai (ahsh-RAHF' gah-NEE' ah-mahd-ZEYE') will become the new president and Abdullah Abdullah will hold the newly created post of chief executive.