The Taoiseach has condemned Israeli actions in Gaza and has told an audience in Tokyo that the war in Iraq had exposed the limitations of US power.
Brian Cowen was delivering a foreign policy address in the Japanese capital.
The review of Irish foreign policy was delivered as the handover approaches in Washington.
Mr Cowen praised the approach of US President-elect Barack Obama, telling his audience he hoped it would usher in the same kind of multilateral approach that marked the Clinton years.
Addressing students at Tokyo's Keio University, Mr Cowen praised the 'positive' signals coming from the incoming US administration.
The Obama administration has signalled 'a strong commitment by the United States to work with partners in the resolution of many major problems,' Mr Cowen said.
'And I believe that is a change in style and substance' he added.
He said the war in Iraq had exposed US limitations, and Washington's need for friends and partners, and he again condemned Israeli response to Hamas rocket attacks as disproportionate.
Meanwhile, Minister of State for Trade & Commerce John McGuinness said the time for tough economic decisions has come even if they cause upheaval and strikes.
Mr McGuinness, who is also on the Japanese trade mission, said that any discussions with the social partners had to make immediate decisions or there should be quick consultations before political choices that could be painful.
He also said that if the Taoiseach decided on a cull of the junior ministerial ranks then so be it; however he maintained that there was a job of work for a trade minister in the current situation.
