U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved former chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of ExxonMobil Rex Tillerson as U.S. secretary of state, BBC reported.

At least 11 Republicans voted in favour and all 10 Democrats against him. For a fill victory Tillerson needs to get at least 51 votes from 100.

With Republicans holding 52 of the 100 Senate seats, Tillerson’s confirmation looks assured, but a vote of the full chamber is not expected before next week.

Earlier it was reported that U.S. President Donald Trump announced intention to appoint ExxonMobil chief Rex Tillerson as a Secretary of State.