The conference in Tunis was attended by representatives of Arab interior ministries Saudi Arabia"s delegation was headed by Gen. Mohammed Al-Bassami, director-general of the Traffic Directorate JEDDAH: Traffic agencies in Arab countries have a vital role to play in fighting terrorism and organized crime, the 17th Arab Conference of Heads of Traffic Services has been told. The forum began on Wednesday at the General Secretariat of the Arab Interior Ministers’ Council in the Tunisian capital Tunis, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. The conference was attended by representatives of Arab interior ministries. The delegation from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior was headed by Gen. Mohammed Al-Bassami, director-general of the Traffic Directorate. Secretary-General of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers, Mohammed bin Ali Koman, said in his opening speech that the “delicate security environment” in some Arab countries meant the region’s states had to harness all available means to face growing criminal challenges. Traffic agencies have the task of supporting security efforts in the face of terrorism and organized crime, Koman said. He added that the previous edition of the conference had discussed the role of traffic agencies in fighting terrorism, giving member states a chance to exchange experiences related to the role of traffic workers in combating extremism. “Today’s conference discusses the role of traffic agencies in facing security chaos and riots after it became clear that some criminal groups seek to infiltrate peaceful demonstrations — including ones that support sports teams — to stir up unrest, allowing acts of robbery and theft, and creating chaos that helps spread violence and terrorism.” The council’s focus was on intensifying education programs to raise awareness among road users of the importance of adhering to traffic rules and etiquette, he explained. The council had agreed to organize an annual Arab Traffic Week between May 4-10 to launch awareness campaigns aimed at reducing the number of road accidents. Koman said that reviewing events held in Arab countries during the week would encourage sharing of information and best practices in the field of road safety. The conference also discussed moves to ease traffic congestion, Arab countries’ events during Arab Traffic Week, and the experiences of member states in regulating traffic and reducing traffic accidents.