Ngô Đình Diệm, who had been serving as the President of South Vietnam since 1955, traveled to Australia as part of an official state visit that would cement new diplomatic relations between Australia and South Vietnam. The visit occurred during a critical period marked by the Cold War, as Southeast Asia was increasingly seen as a battleground in the fight against communism. Australia, sharing a strategic interest in the region, sought to strengthen partnerships with nations on the frontlines of this ideological conflict. The visit began with a formal reception in Canberra, where Diệm was greeted with the honors typically reserved for high-level foreign dignitaries.

Discussions during the visit highlighted the mutual concerns regarding the increasing influence of communism in Southeast Asia and the need for solidarity among nations resisting its spread. Prime Minister Robert Menzies and President Diệm explored avenues of support that Australia could provide to South Vietnam, including military assistance and economic aid. The bilateral talks also extended to cultural exchanges and potential collaborations in sectors such as education and trade, thereby laying the groundwork for future cooperation between the two nations. Diệm's state visit not only reflected his growing recognition on the international stage but also emphasized Australia's commitment to allied support in combating communist expansion in Asia.

Events included state banquets, media engagements, and meetings that showcased a burgeoning relationship between the two countries. The visit was extensively covered by both local and international media, which reported on the importance of Australia’s role in regional stability and the alliances formed with nations like South Vietnam. The symbolic nature of Diệm's visit as the first foreign head of state to come to Australia was also a strong indication of the shifting diplomatic landscape at the time, where nations were pivoting towards forming coalitions against perceived common threats to freedom and democracy.