IMPROVED CREDIT RATING OUTLOOK FOR SRPSKA

BANJA LUKA, AUGUST 10 /SRNA/ - The international rating agency "Standard & Poor's," in its latest report following its regular annual assessment, has confirmed the credit rating of Republika Srpska at the "B" level, with an improvement in the outlook from "negative" to "stable," the Ministry of Finance of Srpska announced.

In a time of pronounced geopolitical uncertainties and a challenging global macroeconomic environment, where numerous sovereign states are experiencing pressure on their credit ratings and a deterioration of their outlooks, Republika Srpska has managed not only to maintain its credit rating at the "B" level but also to improve its outlook from "negative" to "stable," the Ministry of Finance stated in a press release. The significance of this decision, the Ministry of Finance points out, is further confirmed by the fact that simultaneously, even certain EU member states with investment-grade credit ratings, such as Hungary and Romania, are facing pressure on their credit profiles and downward corrections to their outlooks. The press release emphasizes that in such an international environment, the improvement of Republika Srpska's outlook represents a clear and independent signal of the stabilization of its credit position and a confirmation of the credibility of the policies being implemented. The decision by the international rating agency "Standard & Poor's" is based, among other things, on Republika Srpska's successful access to the international capital market and the realized issuance of Eurobonds. The Ministry of Finance highlighted that the strong interest from renowned global investors demonstrated that the international financial market recognizes Republika Srpska as a credible issuer capable of properly fulfilling its financial obligations. "The improvement of the outlook to 'stable' confirms that Republika Srpska is heading in the right direction. At the same time, it represents an additional incentive to continue with a responsible fiscal policy, preserve financial stability, and further strengthen Republika Srpska's position in the domestic and international financial markets," the Ministry of Finance statement reads.