Japan's newly-appointed foreign minister Yoshimasa Hayashi held a phone call with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, on Thursday, stating the great importance of Japan-Russia relations, according to Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The two ministers discussed bilateral relations, including negotiations on a peace treaty, the Japanese ministry said in a statement.

Lavrov also offered his congratulations on Hayashi's appointment to the office, the statement mentioned.