The United States has agreed to hand over control of the main U.S. military detention center in Afghanistan to Afghan authorities, paving the way for a strategic deal to be signed between both countries.

Afghan Defense Minister General Abdul Rahim Wardak and top American military commander General John Allen signed a memorandum of understanding Friday on a process to transfer control of the prison at Bagram Airbase in Parwan province within six months.

General Allen said the memorandum is an “important step forward in our Strategic Partnership negotiations” and in keeping with the desires of a decision by a “loya jirga” and Afghan President Hamid Karzai.

Earlier this week, Afghan Foreign Ministry officials said discussions on a deal outlining the long-term U.S. role in Afghanistan were stalled due to disputes over the prison transfer and night raids conducted by international forces.

All foreign combat troops are set to withdraw from Afghanistan by the end of 2014.

Under the deal struck Friday, NATO says Afghanistan will implement a legal framework to ensure the humane and secure holding of detainees, in accordance with international humanitarian law. U.S. officials had previously questioned whether the Afghan government was capable of running the prison to meet international standards.

The U.S. will also provide ongoing support and advice to the Afghan commander for up to a year.