Jackie Chan in East Timor peace visit

Kung-fu supremo and actor Jackie Chan is set to use his skills to help bring peace to East Timor.

The UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador will visit the tiny nation next week to meet young people and promote the use of martial arts for peace.

Conflict between Dili's martial arts gangs has been partially blamed for East Timor's instability since independence six years ago.

"Jackie Chan will make his first trip to Timor-Leste to meet and interact with young people, visit schools and youth centres, and promote the peaceful yet powerful role that young people engaged in martial arts can play," UNICEF said in a statement.

UNICEF said Chan would meet with young people from across the country, including the leaders of martial arts groups, and deliver a message of unity, respect and discipline.

He will participate in a performance by thousands of martial arts students, and will also hold official meetings with East Timor's key leaders.

East Timor has struggled since achieving independence six years ago.

In February, armed rebels shot and seriously wounded President Jose Ramos Horta in an attack at his residence.

Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao escaped unharmed in a similar attack shortly after.