Putin on Catalan conflict: 'We're not interested in seeing European countries disintegrate'

Speaking about the conflict between Catalonia and Spain, Russian president Vladimir Putin says his country is in "no way interested in seeing European countries disintegrate."

In a meeting on Thursday with heads of world news agencies, Putin said "Spain must itself decide how to exist, including with its problem regions, with Catalonia and in the north."

"We expect that these issues will be settled in a dialogue and on the basis of legitimate decisions approved in discussion," added the Russian president.

Putin also stressed the strength of Russia's relationship with Spain, saying: "We have good, comprehensive relations, very good historical roots."