At the Munich Security Conference, Finnish President Alexander Stubb made a playful remark about Nokia while participating in a panel discussion focused on how to address the use of trade threats as a weapon. The conversation shifted towards telecommunications, during which U.S. Senator Thom Tillis mentioned the Chinese telecom company Huawei, prompting Stubb's comment, 'You can always switch from Huawei to Nokia' as a light-hearted jab. This remark elicited laughter from Tillis and other panelists, including Germany's Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil and WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

Stubb continued his light banter by emphasizing the security and reliability of Nokia's network, describing it as 'very secure and working excellently.' The dialogue showcased not only Stubb's humorous engagement but also highlighted the ongoing discussions around security in telecommunications amid rising global tensions. Tillis responded amicably, reinforcing the jovial atmosphere by stating, 'You never pass up an opportunity,' to which Stubb expressed agreement, maintaining a cheerful demeanor throughout.

This exchange illustrates the intersection of humor and serious dialogue in high-stakes international discussions, showing how figures like Stubb can leverage light-hearted moments to engage audiences while addressing critical global issues such as trade security. The significance of companies like Nokia in the context of international telecom security debates also remains a pertinent topic, especially in European-American relations as they navigate the challenges posed by competitors like Huawei.