French President Nicolas Sarkozy says his country will withdraw another 200 troops from Afghanistan by the end of the year.

About 200 French service members returned home last month as part of the security transition process in Afghanistan.

President Sarkozy on Monday welcomed Afghan President Hamid Karzai's announcement of the second phase of the transition.

The Afghan leader said Sunday that security control of six provinces, seven cities and dozens of the districts, mostly in the country's north and west, will be transferred from foreign to local forces.

Mr. Sarkozy said the handover of Kabul province, including the Surobi district, allows more French troops to return home. He also said France will sign a treaty with Afghanistan to reinforce civilian aid and reconstruction efforts.

Mr. Sarkozy has said he plans to withdraw 1,000 troops or about a quarter of France's total military contingent in Afghanistan by the end of the year.

All foreign combat troops are expected to leave Afghanistan by the end of 2014.