Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has become the first leader from sub-Saharan Africa to be received by US President Donald Trump in talks at the White House on Monday.
They have been expected to discuss shared economic and security interests.
But many will also be watching the talks closely after a row over Mr Trump’s alleged use of the word “shithole” to describe African nations.
Mr Trump denied being a racist after the reported crude remark.
He also denied making the comment.
During the meeting, Mr Trump commented on their “great relationship” and planned talks about trade and security.
“Especially as it relates to terrorism,” Mr Trump said, adding that “we’ve had serious problems with Christians who have been murdered, killed in Nigeria”.
“We’re going to work on that problem and work on that problem very, very hard, because we can’t allow that to happen.”
What’s the agenda for Trump-Buhari talks?
The two leaders may be keen to put the scandal behind them to focus on more pressing issues, writes the BBC’s Nigeria correspondent Mayeni Jones.