( CNN ) -- Hours before being honored for his peacemaking efforts , Tony Blair revealed a secret weapon : Bill Clinton . The former U.S. president was constantly on the phone with Blair during the Northern Ireland peace process in 1998 , providing analysis and advice that proved crucial to reaching an agreement , the former British prime minister said Monday . `` He played an absolutely critical role , '' Blair said of Clinton on Monday as the two sat side-by-side to answer questions before the evening ceremony where Blair was to receive the 2010 Liberty Medal from the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia , Pennsylvania . `` Without your intervention , we would never have achieved that peace in Northern Ireland , '' Blair said to Clinton , adding that he never had the chance to publicly thank him . Clinton and Blair sign autographs at event . The hour-long session featured anecdotes and rare insight on historical developments of the 1990s , when Clinton was U.S. president and Blair became the British prime minister . The Liberty Medal , an annual award given by the nonprofit constitution center that has Clinton as its board chairman , went to Blair this year for `` his steadfast commitment to conflict resolution , '' the group 's website says . Along with the Northern Ireland peace agreement he helped mediate , Blair was cited for his role in Middle East peace negotiations and the work of his Tony Blair Faith Foundation in promoting global understanding . Asked about the necessary components for successful peace talks , Blair joked that `` blind luck '' was essential . He then listed the willingness of the participants , a framework agreement on basic principles and perseverance as the key factors . `` Never give up . No matter how difficult it is , no matter how hard it is , just keep going , '' Blair said as Clinton nodded in agreement . In the Northern Ireland talks , Blair said , the acute focus on the negotiations created an expectation that helped force participants to reach an agreement . `` It was , in a sense , luck that we got into such a hothouse atmosphere that people began to feel it was more embarrassing not to do the deal than to do it , '' Blair said . Clinton added that it was important for outside parties to help warring nations or factions realize the benefits and future possibilities of peace . `` We 've got to paint a picture of what this is like at the end of the road , and we have to be there to help maximize the benefits and minimize the risks , '' Clinton said . On several occasions , Blair mentioned particular advice or help he received from Clinton , such as strong U.S. support for European intervention in the Kosovo conflict to stop forced removals and killings of Muslims by Serb forces . `` The truth is , without America and without President Clinton coming in , we could n't have handled that , '' Blair said . Such backing reflected the longstanding `` special '' relationship between their countries , and Blair insisted that the shifting global dynamics of the 21st century made that partnership more vital than ever . He called the relationship `` something living and breathing now , with relevance today and tomorrow , and we should keep it . '' To Clinton , the shifting role of the two industrial powers made their relationship important for everyone . `` On balance , it 's been a good thing for the world because we 're not imperialists anymore and whatever we do , we do partly because we have a capacity most other countries do n't , '' he said . Both men listed the economic rise of China as a major current issue , and Blair also mentioned the growing role of religious extremism . `` It 's there , and it 's powerful and it 's not , I 'm afraid , going away , '' he said . For his part , Clinton said , a changing dynamic in the Arab world made a Middle East peace agreement more possible now than 10 years ago , when he was president . Back then , he said , Arab leaders privately encouraged him to seek an Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement but were unable to publicly endorse a proposed deal for political reasons . Now , he said , the Arab world fears the rise of Iran as a regional power and threat , and therefore seeks a sustainable relationship with the United States and Israel . `` The most hopeful thing is that the Arabs want this done , '' Clinton said of renewed peace talks guided by his wife , Secretary of State Hillary Clinton .
Former British premier ##s receive medal from nonprofit organization . Clinton is a member of the American Constitution Center , giving the honor . The two former presidents share their , insights during a public appearance .