On July 20, 2014, President Xi Jinping arrived in Caracas, starting his state visit to Venezuela.

When Xi Jinping's special plane entered Venezuelan airspace, it was convoyed by two Su-30MK fighter aircrafts of the Venezuelan Air Force. At around 2:40 p.m., the special plane arrived at the Maiquetía International Airport in Caracas. Xi Jinping stepped down the ladder, and was warmly welcomed by President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela. Local children presented flowers to Xi Jinping. The Venezuelan people were singing and dancing, and the children were waving national flags of both China and Venezuela, giving a warm welcome to Xi Jinping.

Maduro held a grand welcome ceremony for Xi Jinping at the airport. The two heads of state stepped on the reviewing stand. A military band played the national anthems of the two countries and the Chinese national flag was raised. Xi Jinping, accompanied by Maduro, reviewed the guard of honour.

Xi Jinping stressed that people become friends despite distance as long as they understand each other. China and Venezuela have become sincere friends across the ocean and strategic partners of common development. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relationship between China and Venezuela. Looking back on the past forty years, we have confidence to expect a brighter future. I am looking forward to jointly planning the future development of our bilateral relations with President Maduro, and conducting extensive contacts and exchanges with people from all walks of life. By building friendship, promoting cooperation and seeking development, we can upgrade China-Venezuela relations to a higher level.

Wang Huning, Li Zhanshu, Yang Jiechi and other delegation members arrived by the same plane.

H.E. Zhao Rongxian, Chinese Ambassador to Venezuela, also greeted Xi Jinping at the airport.

Xi Jinping arrived in Caracas after the state visit to Argentina. Upon leaving Buenos Aires, senior officials from the government of Argentina bade him farewell at the airport.