Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and French President Francois Hollande have confirmed that their two countries will step up cooperation in combating terrorism.

They also shared concern during their meeting in Paris about China's ongoing militarization of the South China Sea, while agreeing on the need for stable foreign exchange rates, Japanese officials said.

"We will never permit despicable acts of terrorism," Abe said at a joint news conference with Hollande on Monday, noting the two countries "will work together in close coordination and play a leadership role" in tackling terrorism.