DAMASCUS, Syria, (AP) – Russia’s president is holding a new round of talks with his Syrian counterpart amid new Israeli war threats against both Syria and Iran.

Dmitry Medvedev is on a two-day visit to Syria, the first visit by a Russian president in the history of relations between the two countries.

The trip is part of a flurry of diplomatic efforts to defuse tensions between Syria and Israel. Tensions have risen since Israel accused Syria of transferring Scud missiles to Hezbollah, a claim Damascus denies.

Israeli President Shimon Peres’ office has said Medvedev agreed to deliver a message to President Bashar Assad.

Medvedev and Assad are also expected to discuss Iran’s nuclear program, military cooperation and developing economic relations during Tuesday’s talks.