Indonesia and Thailand on Friday urged developed countries not to impose protectionism to cushion the fallout of the global recession.

The statement was made by Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and visiting Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva in a joint press briefing after their meeting at the State Palace here.

Concern has risen recently on raising number of countries turning into protectionism to lessen the impact of the global financial crisis.

Thai prime minister said that he and President Susilo expected the leaders in the upcoming ASEAN summit in Thailand, and G20 Summit meeting in london in April, would not result in decision to impose protectionism.

"We hope in the ASEAN Summit and the G20 meeting in London, there will be a clear commitment from all leaders not to impose protectionism. I think ASEAN Summit will be an example by sending out this very powerful message," he said.

The prime minister also said he and the president would deliver the message in the G20 meeting in London. "I hope in April I will certainly join Mr President in passing on this message that it is very important the developed economies would not impose protectionism to try to find the wayout of the crisis. Because at the end it will make everybody lose," said Vejjajiva.

(Xinhua News Agency February 21, 2009)