US President Barack Obama signs a condolences book as he pays his respects for victims of the attack at the French newspaper Charlie Hebdo, during a visit to the French Embassy in Washington, January 8, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

WASHINGTON - Declaring that "terror is no match for freedom", US President Barack Obama paid his respects Thursday at the French Embassy in Washington following the Paris terrorist attack that left a dozen people dead at a newspaper office.

A solemn-looking Obama filled nearly a page in a condolence book set up on a spare table draped with a blue tablecloth.

"As allies across the centuries, we stand united with our French brothers to ensure that justice is done and our way of life is defended," Obama wrote. "We go forward together knowing that terror is no match for freedom and ideals we stand for - ideals that light the world."

He signed off with "Vive la France!"

Afterward, Obama stood briefly near the table with his head bowed in a moment of silence before shaking hands with embassy personnel.

Obama has denounced the "cowardly, evil attacks" that took place Wednesday at the offices of the satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo.