Baghdad (CNN) -- U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates told reporters in Baghdad that his current visit to Iraq will probably be his last. 

He has previously announced that he intends to retire sometime this year. 

Gates made the comment while speaking to reporters at the U.S. Division-Center headquarters, where he addressed about 200 soldiers from Kansas and Hawaii. He called it "the high point of my trip." 

Gates also addressed the possible U.S. government shutdown. He explained that, even if troops didn't get a paycheck due to a government shutdown, they would be paid back. 

Differences between U.S. Democrats and Republicans have kept them from reaching agreement on a budget for this year. If there is no deal by midnight Friday, when the current spending authorization measure expires, parts of the government will close down. 

"As a historian, it always occurred to me the smart thing for government was always to pay the guys with guns first," he said in response to a query on a shutdown's possible impact. 

Earlier Thursday, Gates met with the Commanding General of U.S. Forces in Iraq, General Lloyd Austin, and with the U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, James Jeffrey, at Al Faw Palace in Baghdad. 

Later, Gates will meet with Massoud Barzani, president of the Kurdish regional government, said a senior defense official who agreed to talk on background 

Gates message to Iraq's leadership will be "that it is important for them to complete the government-formation process, particularly to get the security ministries dealt with," a senior defense official said. 
Who was talking to reporters?
And what's his title?
And where was he talking to them?
And what did he tell them?
And when?
What other issues did he speak on?
And what is causing the possible shut down?
How soon must they act to prevent it?
If they don't prevent it, will all of it be shut down?
How much will be?
And who did the secretary talk to on Thursday?
And?
Where?
In what city?
Will Gates speak with anyone else in the future?
Who?
What's his title?
And will Gates say something to Iraq's leaders?
What will he say?
According to who?
Robert Gates
Robert Gates
Defense Secretary
Defense Secretary
Baghdad
Baghdad
he intends to retire
he intends to retire
sometime this year
sometime this year
possible U.S. government shutdown
possible U.S. government shutdown
Differences between U.S. Democrats and Republicans
Differences between U.S. Democrats and Republicans
Friday
Friday
No
parts of the government will close down. 
parts of the government
parts of the government
General Lloyd Austin
General Lloyd Austin
James Jeffrey
James Jeffrey
Al Faw Palace
Al Faw Palace
Baghdad
Baghdad
Yes
Massoud Barzani, president of the Kurdish regional government,
Massoud Barzani
Massoud Barzani
president of the Kurdish regional government
president of the Kurdish regional government
Yes
Gates message to Iraq's leadership will be "that it is important for them to complete the government-formation process
"that it is important for them to complete the government-formation process, particularly to get the security ministries dealt with,"
 "that it is important for them to complete the government-formation process, particularly to get the security ministries dealt with,"
a senior defense official
a senior defense official