At noon on June 16, 2025 local time, President Xi Jinping arrived in Astana by special plane to attend the second China-Central Asia Summit at the invitation of President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

Kazakh Air Defense Forces sent fighter jets to escort Xi Jinping's plane after it entered the country's airspace.

When arrived at Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport in Astana, Xi Jinping was warmly welcomed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who led Head of the Presidential Administration Aibek Dadebay, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu, Assistant to the President for External Affairs Erzhan Kazykhan, Mayor of Astana Zhenis Makhmuduly Kassymbek, and other senior officials. Young Kazakh women dressed in splendid attire presented flowers to Xi Jinping. The guard of honor lined up on both sides of the blue carpet, paying tribute, while Kazakh children holding the national flags of China and Kazakhstan warmly welcomed Xi Jinping's visit. Accompanied by Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Xi Jinping watched the march-past of the guard of honor, during which helicopters with the national flags of both China and Kazakhstan flew over the airport. In the VIP lounge of the airport, the two heads of state jointly enjoyed a cultural performance by Kazakh children.

Cai Qi, Wang Yi and other members of the entourage arrived on the same plane.

Chinese Ambassador to Kazakhstan Han Chunlin also greeted the delegation at the airport.

When Xi Jinping's motorcade drove from the airport to the hotel, representatives from Chinese enterprises and students gathered along the streets to warmly welcome President Xi Jinping's visit by holding red banners that read "Warmly Welcome President Xi Jinping!" and "Long Live China-Kazakhstan Friendship!"