← Terug naar overzicht Taal: NL EN

I count myself as a friend of America, and I believe in the alliance. But I also believe that alliances are not just about power, they are about purpose.

Anthony Charles Lynton Blair

Speech to US Congress, 2003 · Gecheckt op 10 juni 2026
I count myself as a friend of America, and I believe in the alliance. But I also believe that alliances are not just about power, they are about purpose.

Analyse

The exact quote appears in Blair's July 17, 2003 address to a joint session of the US Congress, where he emphasized the importance of shared values in alliances. Transcripts and official records confirm the wording and context.

Achtergrond

This speech occurred during the post-Iraq War period, where Blair sought to reaffirm the UK-US relationship amid global tensions. His remarks underscored his view of alliances as moral as well as strategic partnerships.

Samenvatting verdict

Anthony Blair did make this statement in his 2003 speech to the US Congress.

Geraadpleegde bronnen

— Official transcript of Tony Blair's 2003 speech to US Congress (UK Government Archives)
— C-SPAN video recording of the speech
— The Guardian's coverage of the address (July 18, 2003)